Description of Invention:
Tendon injuries due to trauma and overuse are common clinical problems that result in significant pain and loss of mobility. Tendon injuries are slow to heal and the healed tendon rarely matches the original in mechanical strength and structural integrity. Due to a limited understanding of basic tendon biology, development of new treatment options for injured tendons has posed significant challenges.
This invention relates to a cell based therapy. Specifically, it relates to the isolation and enrichment of stem cells from adult tendons, known as tendon stem progenitor cells, that can form tendon structures and are capable of integrating into bones to form enthesis-like structures. Two extra-cellular matrix proteoglycans, biglycan and fibromodulin, further assist in the maintenance and multiplication of these tendon stem cells.
Applications:
Treatment of damaged tendons that are slow to repair after injury.
May remedy other pathological conditions that are caused by ectopic calcification such as ectopic calcification that occurs around artificial heart valves or that develops in the rare inherited disease, Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP).
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-233-2007/0 --
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/934,606 filed 14 Jun 2007
PCT Application filed 13 Jun 2008
Licensing Status: Available for licensing.
Collaborative Research Opportunity:
The NIDCR, Molecular Biology of Bones and Teeth Section is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize the use of tendon stem cells. Please contact Marian Young at 301-496-8860 or myoung@dir.nidcr.nih.gov.
For Additional Information Please Contact: Fatima Sayyid M.H.P.M.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301) 435-4521
Email: sayyidf@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301) 402-0220
