BioWorld International Correspondent

LONDON - Axordia Ltd. announced plans for the clinical application of one of its proprietary stem cell lines in a next-generation stent that will prevent restenosis without the increased risk of late-stage thrombosis that can occur with existing drug-eluting stents.

The Sheffield, UK-based company will collaborate with Lombard Medical Technologies plc, of Oxford, UK, in the development of the so-called "regenerative" stent. The project will involve combining Axordia's stem cell-derived endovascular cells with Lombard's polymer coating, which can be programmed for the timed release of the active ingredient.

The current generation of drug-eluting stents are designed to restrict local vascular repair following angioplasty. That prevents restenosis, an inflammatory thickening of the artery. However, recent evidence suggests that it is in higher rates of thrombosis, where a clot forms at the end of the stent. It is believed clot formation is linked to the delayed healing of the blood vessel.

Axordia said the endovascular cell line would promote healing at the site where the stent is implanted, at the same time reducing inflammation and creating a localized immune-privileged site to prevent the body from rejecting the stent.

Alistair Taylor, chairman of Lombard Medical, said there is significant potential for a regenerative stent that would reduce restenosis without prompting late-stage thrombosis. "A system that engenders normal healing of the tissues may well reduce these late complications."

It would be the first clinical application of Axordia's stem cell technology. The company, which spun out of Sheffield University, has concentrated on developing cell lines for use in drug discovery and in refining and developing GMP grade manufacturing processes for stem cells.

Paul Gerskowitch, CEO of Axordia, said the collaboration is evidence that the company is in a leading position in delivering safe clinical applications for stem cells. Another UK stem cell company, NovaThera Ltd., is taking a similar approach to commercializing clinical applications of stem cells, by working with manufacturers of artificial lung and heart machines.

Axordia and Lombard agreed to collaborate on the project over the next 2.5 years, but did not reveal the terms of the agreement. The current market for drug eluting stents is $6 billion.