Cell Therapy for Tnedon/Ligament Repair

In the context of skeletal tissue repair, Cell Therapy is the local application of autologous(host-derived) cells to promote reconstruction of tissue defects caused by trauma, disease or surgicalprocedures. The objective of the Cell Therapy approach is to deliver high densities of repair-competentcells to the defect site in a format that optimizes both initial wound mechanics and eventual neotissueproduction. We are engaged in the development of cellular transplants and cell-matrix products for thetreatment of soft tissue and bone disorders. These cellular transplants and cell-matrix products arederived from the isolation, purification and propagation of human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), theprogenitor cells which give rise to all mesodermal tissues such as cartilage, ligament, tendon and muscle.Our research will 1. demonstrate the efficacy of a proprietary cell delivery concept for autologous MSCtherapy in short-term rabbit Achilles tendon implants, and 2. develop appropriate surgical techniques andperform preliminary implants for the repair of defects of the rabbit anterior cruciate ligament.