PrimeGen Biotech, a pioneer in the research and discovery of practical therapeutic uses for stem cells, officially launched their subsidiary VetCell Therapeutics this week at the Western Veterinary Conference in Las Vegas. The company has two types of therapies to help with canine osteoarthritis (OA) using stem cells. VetCell Therapeutics is a cell therapy company focused on generating regenerative cell therapy treatments for pets and companion animals.
After more than a decade of research and development, there are two therapies available to veterinarians:
EvoluGen OA – a platelet-rich plasma therapy for dogs derived from a canine’s blood that effective treats OA conditions by delivering a high concentration of cellular growth factors to the affected joint in order to mediate healing and reduction of inflammation.
Benefits:
- Reduced inflammation
- Increased range of motion and functionality
- Reduced pain and increased overall well-being (quality of life)
- No drug related side effects
- Potential to slow or stop the progression of joint disease
ReGen OA – an autologous stem cell therapy for dogs derived from subcutaneous adipose tissue that is uniquely processed for each patient’s OA condition. It safely and effectively treats the patient’s symptoms. Patients typically see improvements with just a single treatment.
Benefits:
- Reduced inflammation
- Increased range of motion and functionality
- Reduced pain and increased overall well-being (quality of life)
- No drug related side effects
- Potential to regenerate damaged tissue
“Because these cell therapies are autologous (derived from the patient’s own tissue) they pose absolutely zero risk to the patient, and have no negative side effects,” a spokesperson from VetCell Therapeutics told iHeartDogs.
The Process
If you and your vet decide your dog would be a good canidate for this therapy, the process is quick and easy. According to the spokesperson:
“If a vet is interested in having this therapy developed for their patients, they simply call VetCell Therapeutics and become a clinician customer. Product development can be immediate. For ReGen OA, the vet would need to excise fat tissue from the patient, or for EvoluGen OA, blood would need to be drawn and send over to VetCell for processing. Within a 24 hour window, VetCell Therapeutics will process the tissue and ship the therapy injection back to the vet to be administered.”
How Many Treatments Does It Take?
Since every case is different, the number of treatments your dog may need will vary. Some may only need one, others may need ongoing treatments.
“Studies conducted about the efficacy of the cells that make up ReGen OA have shown that many patients experience long-term benefits with just one treatment,” the spokesperson explained. “EvoluGen OA may offer long-term treatment in one therapy, or the patient may require multiple injections before conditions are under control.”
VetCell is currently working on researching the use of cell therapies for other diseases. Areas they are currently exploring include flesh wounds and torn ligaments in dogs.
