Methods and Compositions for Treating Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
OwnerJeffrey William Moehlenbruck, John Paul Ranieriinventors
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Abstract
A fluid matrix comprising cross-linked remodelable collagen from a donor vertebrate animal is useful for regenerating hydrodynamic function in damaged intervertebral discs in vivo. The matrix may be injectable and may comprise cells and a plurality of purified cell growth factors. The matrix promotes cell growth and elaboration of proteoglycans to facilitate regeneration of native tissues. The collagen in the matrix may be cross-linked using photooxidative catalysis and visible light, and purified cell growth factors are preferably at least partly bone-derived.
Claims59
A matrix for treating a patient having degenerative disc disease, the matrix comprising
- an injectable fluid comprising digestion-resistant remodelable collagen, said collagen being cross-linked through photooxidative catalysis and irradiation by visible light;
- and
- a plurality of living cells dispersed within said injectable fluid to form an injectable cell matrix for treating degenerative disc disease, said cells having inherent capability to elaborate proteoglycans in vivo.
A method of treating a patient presenting with signs of hydrodynamic intervertebral disc dysfunction, the method comprising
- diagnosing hydrodynamic disc dysfunction in at least one intervertebral disc of said patient;
- testing said at least one intervertebral disc of said patient to establish cellular proteoglycan production within said at least one disc;
- and
- injecting a plurality of purified cell growth factors into said at least one disc to treat a patient presenting with signs of hydrodynamic intervertebral disc dysfunction.
An injectable cell growth medium for intervertebral disc regeneration, said medium comprising
- an injectable fluid comprising digestion-resistant remodelable collagen, said collagen being cross-linked through photooxidative catalysis and irradiation by visible light;
- and
- a plurality of purified cell growth factors dispersed within said fluid to form an injectable cell growth medium.
An injectable material for treating a patient for hydrodynamic disc dysfunction, the material made by a process comprising
- cross-linking collagen through photooxidative catalysis and irradiation by visible light;
- purifying a plurality of bone-derived cell growth factors;
- dispersing said purified bone-derived cell growth factors within said cross-linked collagen;
- and
- dispersing cells responsive to said purified plurality of bone-derived cell growth factors within said cross-linked collagen to form an injectable material for treating hydrodynamic disc dysfunction.
An injectable cell suspension for treating a patient having degenerative disc disease, the suspension comprising
- an injectable fluid comprising a plurality of purified cell growth factors;
- and
- a plurality of living cells dispersed within said injectable fluid to form an injectable cell suspension for treating degenerative disc disease, said cells being responsive to said cell growth factors by increased elaboration of proteoglycans.
A method of cross-linking collagen to make digestion-resistant remodelable cross-linked collagen, the method comprising
- providing a hydrogel comprising collagen;
- containing said hydrogel within a semipermeable membrane, said membrane being substantially transparent to visible light and substantially permeable to at least one photooxidative catalyst;
- transporting at least one photooxidative catalyst through said semipermeable membrane and into said hydrogel;
- and
- irradiating said hydrogel with visible light to cross-link said collagen.
A fluid matrix for treating intervertebral disc disease in a vertebrate, said fluid comprising nucleus pulposus tissue of a donor vertebrate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.