SpinalCyte, LLC, a Texas-based tissue engineering technology company focused on regrowth of the spinal disc nucleus using human dermal fibroblasts, has announced the issuance of Australian Patent No. 2013299505, “Generation Of Cartilage Ex Vivo From Fibroblasts.”

This Australian patent further strengthens our international intellectual property portfolio for using fibroblasts to regrow cartilage and broadens our patent coverage beyond the spinal disc into other regions of the human anatomy”

The technology described in the patent involves using mechanical stress in an ex vivo, low oxygen environment under certain conditions to produce chondrocytes to regrow cartilage. Also included in the patent is the use of an imaging device to design and develop a mold for the new cartilage to populate and grow.

“This Australian patent further strengthens our international intellectual property portfolio for using fibroblasts to regrow cartilage and broadens our patent coverage beyond the spinal disc into other regions of the human anatomy,” said Pete O’Heeron, chief executive officer, SpinalCyte.

With this addition, SpinalCyte’s portfolio now includes 22 US and foreign patents issued and directly owned by the company, along with 44 patents pending.

Based in Houston, Texas, SpinalCyte, LLC is a tissue engineering technology company developing an innovative solution for spinal nucleus replacement using human dermal fibroblasts. Currently, SpinalCyte holds 22 US and international issued patents and has filed for an additional 44 patents pending.