[Edaily] June 11, 2018
Stem cell therapy for cartilage defects has been recognized as a limited new medical technology, making selective treatment possible.
According to Miracell Co., Ltd. (CEO Shin Hyun-soon) on the 11th, autologous stem cell therapy for knee cartilage defects was previously only available to patients aged 15 to 50.
However, with this new recognition as a limited new medical technology, stem cell treatment can now be performed at medical institutions that have applied for the treatment.
Miracell is a stem cell company that has received approval and certification for its stem cell isolation and treatment technologies from the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA), the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and the New Medical Technology Assessment Division since 2009.
The company possesses proprietary stem cell technology and holds 11 patents, one PCT application, 15 trademarks and service marks, and 10 designs as related intellectual property rights.
CEO Shin Hyun-soon stated, “Previously, the age limit was 15 to 50, but with this approval, medical institutions that apply for treatment can now apply for arthritis treatment without any age restrictions.”
In the past, cartilage loss and degenerative arthritis were considered incurable due to the inherent difficulty of cartilage repair once damaged.
This meant pain relief was endured with anti-inflammatory medications, and when the pain worsened, joint replacement surgery was performed.
However, autologous stem cell therapy has recently made it possible to regenerate cartilage in early and mid-stage arthritis, restoring the knee to its former health.
CEO Shin emphasized, “Autologous stem cell therapy is a simpler treatment method compared to osteoarthritis surgery, yet it offers promising results.”