DiscGenics Earns International Patents for Its Stem Cell Technology

Salt Lake City, Utah-based DiscGenics Inc. has been granted its initial patent for its allogeneic, human disc-derived stem cell technology in four key international markets: Europe, Japan, China and Israel. The issuance of this patent abroad extends the protection of the company’s domestic intellectual property (IP) into major international markets. The European patent has also been validated in the key strategic European countries. Additional applications in other key global markets are pending to ensure broad coverage of DiscGenics’ IP.

“A strong IP portfolio, both in the United States and internationally, is a key component in DiscGenics’ overall strategy,” said CEO Flagg Flanagan. “The granting of these patents secures the international foundation of our IP, which is being fortified with two additional domestic patent applications pending and more in process.”

DiscGenics has developed a method to isolate stem-like progenitor cells from human adult intervertebral disc tissue. In pre-clinical studies, these cells have proved to be safe and highly potent at regenerating new intervertebral disc material.

The company is developing two products. The first is Injectable Discogenic Cell Therapy (IDCT) for treating patients with moderately degenerated discs. This off-the-shelf, allogeneic product will be administered non-surgically using a percutaneous injection similar to a discogram. The second is the Surgical Discogenic Cell Therapy (SDCT), a minimally invasive implantable for treating patients with herniated discs.

DiscGenics is a privately funded biotechnology company developing advanced spinal therapeutics to treat patients with diseases of the intervertebral disc.