Cell-Free System For Tissue Regeneration

Cell-Free System for Tissue Regeneration

NU2024-006

INVENTORS

Mitali Kini

Matthew Bury

Arun Sharma*

SHORT DESCRIPTION

Total conditioned media (TCM) consisting of proteins and other molecules secreted from co-cultured human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) drive bladder tissue regeneration upon direct instillation.

BACKGROUND

Each year, approximately 82,000 new cases of bladder cancer are diagnosed in the U.S., with about 30% progressing to locally invasive disease requiring cystectomy and urinary diversion. The combined costs of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care can exceed $30,000 per patient. Postoperative complications—such as small bowel obstruction, infection, and cancer recurrence—often necessitate additional surgical interventions. A non-invasive technology that promotes bladder tissue regeneration offers the potential to significantly reduce these costs by preserving intestinal tissue morphology and maintaining homeostasis in patients undergoing treatment for bladder cancer.

ABSTRACT

Northwestern inventors have developed a novel cell-free media solution that promotes bladder tissue regeneration for patients with bladder injury or dysfunction. In preclinical studies, repeated administration of the TCM stimulated tri-layer bladder tissue regeneration in fully immune-competent rats following partial cystectomy. As the first innovation of its kind, this approach offers a less invasive and more cost-effective alternative to current treatment options.

APPLICATIONS:

• Promote bladder tissue regeneration in cases of penetrating bladder injuries, pediatric spina bifida, adult spinal cord injury, and in bladder cancer patients undergoing cystectomy.
• Enhance wound healing in urologic stricture disease – both urethral and ureteral – following dilation procedures or reconstructive surgery.
• Promote wound healing in diabetic patients with chronic ulcerative lesions and in burn victims with extensive surface area injuries.

ADVANTAGES:

• Less costly and invasive compared to bladder augmentation
• Does not rely on patient bone marrow aspiration
• Does not elicit immune response especially in immunocompromised patients
• The secretome is cell-free and could be used in a universal setting where applicable based upon the lack of immunogenicity

Publications:

Mitali Kini, Matthew I. Bury, Arun K. Sharma. An Acellular Platform to Drive Urinary Bladder Tissue Regeneration. Advanced Therapeutics. Dec 20, 2024

IP Status:

A provisional patent application has been filed

Bladder smooth muscle regeneration comparison for tissue instilled with control or Total Condition Media (TCM)