Regeneus (ASX: RGS) is investigating the use of its HiQCell® stem cell therapy for treating neuropathic pain, extending its use beyond treating musculoskeletal conditions, such as osteoarthritis.
This is after the publication of a paper in the Journal of Pain Research describing safety and early efficacy data for the use of HiQCell® in patients suffering from persistent, severe and intolerable pain in the face and dental region.
Neuropathic pain affects up to 6% of the population.
This new study confirms that the therapy appears to offer a viable new treatment option.
Regeneus Clinical Development Director Dr Richard Lilischkis said that to date the pioneering work of HiQCell has focused on the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, such as osteoarthritis.
“Following extensive research and development, we are working with our medical specialist partners to offer a therapeutic treatment option for patients suffering with neuropathic pain,” he added.
“We look forward to continuing offering stem cell clinical treatment options with North Shore Specialist Day Hospital to deliver high quality outcomes for patients”.
Regeneus will continue to explore pain more generally and how HiQCell could be applied to other indications.
Study Details
The study investigated the impact of HiQCell on pain in the trigeminal cranial nerve (oral and facial region) and was conducted by the team of world-leading pain management specialist and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr Russell Vickers and plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr John Flood.
The paper concluded: “This preliminary open-labelled study showed autologous administration of stem cells for neuropathic trigeminal pain significantly reduced pain intensity at 6 months and is a safe and well tolerated intervention.”
“Managing chronic pain often requires a multidisciplinary approach and current pharmaceutical medication can cause adverse side effects,” Vickers noted.
“In the study group, in addition to a significant reduction in pain, there were improvements in headache, cosmetic facial deficits and myelinated nerves.
“Our pioneering work with Regeneus has shown long-term, life changing improvements to my patients, when stem cell treatment is used alongside my traditional techniques”.
The neuropathic pain patients have been treated at North Shore Specialist Day Hospital in Sydney’s Greenwich, which contains a Regeneus’ cell-processing laboratory.
HiQCell®
The HiQCell treatment involves harvesting a small amount of a patient’s own stem cells from adipose (fat) tissue and after separating and concentrating, the regenerative cells these are re-injected.
This technique has been established with treating musculoskeletal conditions.
The HiQCell treatment, which reduces inflammation and repairs damaged tissue, is carried out under the supervision of the patients’ treating medical specialist.
Analysis
While HiQCell® has proven to be an effective treatment for musculoskeletal conditions including osteoarthritis and sports injuries, its potential to treat neuropathic pain extends its reach and potential new revenue centre for Regeneus.
Regeneus is at the forefront of a massive growth in the regenerative medicine and cell technology industry, which is currently in its infancy.
Developments such as this highlights Proactive Investors' belief that the company’s current market cap. of circa $74 million does not reflect the inherent value of the company’s capabilities and the potential of HiQCell.
We continue to maintain a valuation of Regeneus within the range of $0.76 - $0.93 per share within 6-9 months.
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