Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult), an independent innovation and technology organisation specialising in the advancement of the cell and gene therapy industry, is working with VascVersa Ltd, a Belfast-based regenerative medicine company, to develop a test that predicts the clinical efficacy of its experimental cell therapy for ischaemic diseases.
Ischemia is caused by a reduction of blood flow to organs or tissues, often as a result of damage to or loss of blood vessels. VascVersa’s innovative therapy aims to treat ischaemic diseases by stimulating blood vessel repair and formation and improving blood supply. It is being developed for treating ischaemic diseases including active wounds, like diabetic foot ulcers, and other complications, such as retinopathies, which affect the retina.
The treatment uses highly pure and potent populations of ANGICYTE™ cells, human vascular reparative cells. When transplanted, these cells integrate with existing vasculature and promote healing and growth of new blood vessels, helping to repair damage. There are a number of steps involved in the production and manufacture of these cells. To improve production, the CGT Catapult and VascVersa are developing a test to predict the effectiveness of these cells prior to transplant. The test detects specific protein levels in the cells which indicate if they will be effective.
“We are delighted to collaborate with the CGT Catapult, to accelerate the development of our cell therapy ANGICYTETM, enabling us to deliver a revolutionary medicine to patients sooner. The technology and support that the CGT Catapult offers has been an invaluable asset on our path to clinical development. We look forward to continuing this successful partnership in the future,” said Dr Fiona Cunningham, Senior Scientist at VascVersa
VascVersa is also working with the CGT Catapult to develop an economic model to understand the value that treating diabetic foot ulcers would provide to the NHS and is collaborating with the Northern Alliance Advanced Therapies Treatment Centre (ATTC) network to finalise plans for a clinical trial, including site selection and team formation. Additionally, it is partnering with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) to optimise its process and functional analytics and to manufacture its product.
“The work of VascVersa with its ANGICYTE™ product has potential to improve health and reduce the NHS resources needed to treat diabetic foot ulcers. By working together, to continue the journey of this therapy to the clinic, we hope this will led to a new way to manage these foot ulcers and alleviate pain,” said Matthew Durdy, Chief Executive of the CGT Catapult
