Cynata to Conduct Further Proof-of-Concept Studies for Stem Cell Platform Application in Pulmonary Fibrosis

Cynata Therapeutics Ltd., an Australian stem cell and regenerative medicine company known for its therapeutic stem cell platform technology Cymerus™, has just announced the launch of a study designed to test the platform’s efficacy in administering mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in animal models of pulmonary fibrosis (PF).

The study will be conducted at The University of Western Australia’s Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine (CCTRM) in the School of Medicine and Pharmacology by of a team of lung fibrosis and regenerative medicine experts. Overseeing the study is Professor Geoff Laurent, an internationally acclaimed researcher for his work on extracellular matrix regulation and lung fibrosis. Lead investigator, Dr. Cecilia Prale, is a cell biologist that has extensive experience in studying tissue fibrosis, animal models and signal transduction pathways. The team is seeking further proof-of-concept evidence on the platform.

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Professor Laurent said: “While adult tissues represent a useful source of MSCs, there are also significant limitations with this approach. In particular, it is known that as a stem cell matures, it gradually loses its versatility. The range of tissues into which it can differentiate becomes restricted and its expansion capability is diminished. This study will examine the potential of MSCs derived using Cymerus™ technology, to prevent and reverse fibrosis in an animal model of lung fibrosis.” He went on to conclude: “It is important to achieve economic manufacture of relevant quantities of very pure and well-characterised MSCs at a commercial scale to use in medicine and this is why we are partnering with Cynata on this project. Our long-term goal is to develop efffective treatments for patients suffering with fibrotic lung disorders such as IPF.”

“This partnership with UWA builds on Cynata’s existing relationship, announced earlier this year, with Grey Innovation in the development of a unique nebuliser technology to conveniently and efficiently deliver viable stem cells to the lung,” said Cynata CEO, Dr. Ross Macdonald. “Reliable delivery of stem cells into the lung will be an essential element of a commercially relevant treatment for lung fibrosis as well as for a range of other lung diseases. We look forward to working with Professor Laurent and Dr Prêle in this exciting new program.”