Medistem Files U.S. Patent Application for Innovative Stem Cell Technology to Treat Lower Back Disorders; Stem Cell Company's Discovery Could Provide Breakthrough for Patients with Lumbar-Related Ailments by Preventing Disc Degeneration 5/23/2006
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 23, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Medistem Laboratories, Inc. (OTCBB:MDSM)(FWB:S2U), committed to the ethical development of next-generation medical therapies from non-controversial adult stem cell sources, announced today its filing of a U.S. patent application for an innovative cellular technology to treat lower back ailments by addressing causal issues and developing methodologies to prevent disc degeneration.
Back pain costs the U.S. economy over $50 billion annually and represents the second most common reason for visits to a doctor. It is estimated that 10% of 50-year-old discs and 60% of 70-year-old discs are severely degenerated. The patent application represents a potential therapeutic breakthrough for patients worldwide who suffer from chronic lumbar pain and related lower back disorders caused by disc degeneration. The novel technology is designed to address these problems through the application of regenerative stem cell-based medicine. The proprietary technology increases the potential market value of Medistem's Intellectual Property portfolio.
"The future success of Medistem lies in the commercialization of the best, most innovative and far-reaching stem cell technologies being developed in the world of science," said Neil Riordan, Ph.D., Chairman, and CEO of Medistem. "This latest patent filing is a significant achievement and we're excited by the potential market opportunities and added corporate value presented by our expanding portfolio of intellectual property."
The Medistem discovery relates to the administration of one or more cell types to stimulate lumbar angiogenesis, decrease inflammation, and stimulate regeneration. Significantly, the concept of therapeutic angiogenesis has been investigated for treatments of heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, and other ischemia-related pathologies but only Medistem's technology teaches its groundbreaking potential use for the treatment of lower back ailments associated with disc degeneration. In addition, while a variety of medical approaches exists today to treat lower back problems and associated pain, none actually prevents the process of disc degeneration.
"Common early intervention methods such as exercise, anti-inflammatories and analgesics do not influence the root cause of these problems, while other more serious interventions including spinal fusion, surgery, and artificial disc implants too often present adverse effects, invasiveness and limited full recovery," Riordan added. "We believe we are on our way to developing a major market alternative and superior regenerative solution that would provide safe, effective relief for people worldwide suffering from lumbar-related ailments."
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