DermaGraft Stimulates New Blood Vessel Formation
The data, generated in preclinical studies conducted at the University of Arizona, demonstrated that a metabolically active, tissue-engineered epicardial patch induces blood vessel formation and improves cardiac function as early as 14 days after its application. In addition, the new blood vessels matured with time.
Dermagraft is produced by culturing human dermal fibroblasts on a bioabsorbable scaffold. As the fibroblasts proliferate on the scaffold, they secrete three proteins key to blood vessel formation and maintenance: vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and angiopoietin-1.
``The angiogenic effects induced by Dermagraft in these studies exceed the results achieved in previous studies reported to date using either a single growth factor or gene therapy,'' stated Dr. Stuart K. Williams, Ph.D., Professor and Chair, Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona. ``Dermagraft has the ability to secrete angiogenic factors continuously and directly onto the damaged heart. In clinical applications, this has the potential to reduce chest pain and improve heart function. Tens of millions of patients worldwide could benefit from this unique technology.''
Previous work with Dermagraft had shown that it can generate new blood vessels both in vitro and in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Compared to other potential new therapeutics, further development of Dermagraft for cardiac applications may benefit from the fact that it has been in clinical use since 1991, is currently manufactured commercially and has been proven safe in wound healing applications.
Advanced Tissue Sciences is a tissue engineering company utilizing its proprietary core technology to develop and manufacture human-based tissue products for tissue repair and transplantation. The company has two joint ventures with Smith & Nephew. The first applies tissue engineering technology for skin wounds and includes Dermagraft for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, TransCyte for the temporary covering of second and third-degree burns, and future developments for venous ulcers, pressure ulcers, burns and other non-aesthetic wound care treatments. The second joint venture is developing tissue-engineered orthopedic cartilage, focusing on the repair of cartilage in knee joints. The Company also has a strategic alliance with Inamed Corporation for the development and marketing of several of Advanced Tissue Sciences' human-based, tissue-engineered products for aesthetic and certain reconstructive applications.
Contact: Advanced Tissue Sciences, 10933 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla, CA 92037-1005, Phone: 858-713-7300, Fax: 858-713-7400