Local biotech’s stem cell therapy promises to delay knee replacement surgery

Biotech News: Osteoarthritis has been designated a National Health Priority by the Australian Federal Government, affecting one in five Australians over the age of 45. New research from private Australian biotechnology company, Magellan Stem Cells, highlights promising advancements of stem cell therapy for this debilitating condition.

“Our research indicates that Magellan’s off-the-shelf donor stem cell treatment is safe and effective in improving joint function, reducing pain levels, and may even halt the progression of osteoarthritis,” lead researcher Associate Professor Julien Freitag said.

Results from the Phase I/II clinical trial of MAG200 revealed sustained pain relief of 58% at the 12-month follow-up, alongside significant improvements in quality of life scores among patients receiving the stem cell therapy. Remarkably, these benefits persisted beyond four years following a single injection of donor stem cells.

“The trial also indicated that Magellan’s cell therapy may delay or prevent the progression of osteoarthritis, with observed improvement in cartilage volume in patients receiving stem cell treatment, while the placebo group showed either no change or their osteoarthritis progressed,” Associate Professor Freitag noted.

With over 65,000 total knee replacements performed annually in Australia and an economic burden exceeding $25 billion per year, osteoarthritis poses significant challenges.

“More than 30% of knee replacements in Australia are performed on patients under 65,” Associate Professor Freitag added. “Magellan’s stem cell therapy promises to delay or prevent the later need for joint replacement surgery.”

Dr Kiran Shah, Head Scientific Officer at Magellan, expressed optimism about the therapy’s impact, saying “Developing a world-leading cell therapy within Australia is a testament to our commitment to advancing medical solutions.”

“Appropriately developed and regulated stem cell treatments have the potential to change all that, providing a more effective, less painful, longer lasting and affordable option,” Associate Professor Freitag explained.

Ross Williams, Magellan Board Director and CFO, highlighted the broader implications of their research, commenting “Magellan’s research and development path is an example of Australia’s investment in advanced manufacturing technologies and reduces Australia’s reliance on offshore manufacturing and therapeutic development.”

“The observed results with statistically significant and reproducible symptomatic improvements seen in patients provides Magellan with confidence to progress to late-stage clinical development,” Associate Professor Freitag concluded.

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