Vet-Stem® Treats 1,000 Patients With Regenerative Stem Cells
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Vet-Stem, Inc. has announced that 1,000 horses have now been treated with regenerative stem cell therapy in the U.S.
Over 250 veterinarians now include regenerative stem cell therapy in their veterinary practices and over 750 horse owners have elected to use Vet-Stem Cell™ therapy for regeneration of damaged tissues.
Vet-Stem® has been offering commercial regenerative stem cell therapy since January 2004.
Most of the horses have been treated for tendon and ligament injuries sustained while training or competing. Independent studies have been conducted demonstrating the ability for these regenerative stem cells to differentiate into different cell types for improved healing of tendons and ligaments.
Treatment of arthritis and various joint diseases was initiated in 2005 in order to improve healing in the multiple tissues types associated with joint disease in horses and dogs.
"The fact that 1,000 patients have now been treated with these regenerative, tissue healing cells is significant for many reasons," said Bob Harman, DVM, MPVM, CEO of Vet-Stem®.
"Most importantly, there are new and effective treatment options for injuries that in the past would have ended the career or usefulness of a horse."
"This milestone also reflects the acceptance of the first commercial application of regenerative stem cell therapy in veterinary medicine by both veterinarians and horse owners."
The sample from the 1,000th horse was submitted by Ross Rich, DVM, of Cave Creek Equine Surgical Center.
"I have found that regenerative stem cell therapy has improved the rate and quality of healing for tendons, ligaments, and bone cysts compared with other treatment methods that I have used in the past," commented Dr. Rich.
The Vet-Stem® regenerative cells include stem cells as well as cells that produce growth factors, blood vessels, and assist with regeneration of tissues. These cells are obtained from processing of a small fat sample from the injured animal.
The regenerative cells are then shipped back to the veterinarian for injection directly into the injured site or tissue.
Vet-Stem® is developing additional applications for regenerative stem cell therapy in horses and has initiated clinical studies for several regenerative applications in dogs.
Commercial applications for one or more canine diseases are anticipated later this year.
