A journey from basic stem cell discovery to clinical application: the case of adventitial progenitor cells. (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Spencer, Helen L; Slater, Sadie C; Rowlinson, Jonathan; Morgan, Tom; Culliford, Lucy A; Guttridge, Martin; Emanueli, Costanza; Angelini, Gianni; Madeddu, Paolo
• Is Part Of: Regenerative medicine. Volume 10:Number 1(2015)
• Page Start: 39
• Page End: 47
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: cell therapy -- GMP -- ischemia -- pericytes -- regenerative medicine -- stem cell; Cellular therapy -- Periodicals; Stem cells -- Transplantation -- Periodicals; Degeneration (Pathology) -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Regeneration (Biology) -- Periodicals; 611.018
• DOI: 10.2217/rme.14.64
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1746-0751

Abstract

Ischemia is a leading cause of death in the western world. Regenerative medicine aims to improve healing of ischemic injury by complementing pharmacologic/interventional treatments. Navigating regenerative therapies from 'bench-to-bedside' is a multistep time-consuming process, balancing cell expansion, purity, safety and efficacy while complying with regulatory guidelines. Studies started in academic laboratories unused to long-term planning often fail because of poor strategy design, lack of contingency plans or funding. We provide a strategic insight into our translation of saphenous vein-derived adventitial progenitor cells into a clinical grade product to treat angina. We discuss discovery phases, introduction of standard operating procedures and upgrade to clinical standards. We also examine contractual aspects of transferring to GMP-accredited facilities for clinical production and unexpected hurdles.