Doctors at the Oklahoma Clinic of Radiology have successfully tested injectable cell therapy to reduce back pain and signs of damage to the lumbar spine. The results of the study were presented at a meeting of the Society for Interventional Radiology in Phoenix.
Intervertebral disc degeneration is common in elderly patients and can cause pain and decreased mobility. Initially, the clinical trial involved 218 patients who received either placebo (salt water) or VIA Disc injections in the lumbar region.
After one year, pain relief was seen in 56% of the VIA Disc group and 45% of the saline-treated patients.
The scientists then repeated the experiment, expanding the observation of the patients. After two years, 41% of patients in the VIA Disc group and 22% in the placebo group had improved mobility and reduced pain. No permanent side effects were observed in the patients.
Improvements continued after three years in 51% of patients who received the VIA Disc.
The VIA Disc is a mixture of bone marrow cells and fragmented spinal cord tissue from donors. The clinical trial was funded by VIVEX Biologics, manufacturer of the VIA Disc. The drug is currently under evaluation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.