ReNeuron reports positive early data with CTX in PAD

UK stem cell firm ReNeuron has reported positive preclinical efficacy data with its lead CTX stem cell line in a model of peripheral arterial  disease, a chronic and debilitating condition that progressively  restricts blood flow in the limbs, causing cramping, chronic pain and,  in extreme cases, loss of limb.

The researchers tested ReNeuron's CTX stem cell line, via intramuscular  injection, in a recognized murine hind limb ischemia model.  The cells  were seen to generate significant recovery of blood flow in the ischemic  limb and tissue perfusion was shown to improve through increased  revascularization of the damaged tissue, as measured by increased  capillary and arteriole density.

The company intends to commence an initial clinical trial in the UK this  year in disabled stroke patients, where the same CTX stem cell line  forms the basis of its ReN001 therapy in this indication. UK regulatory  approval for this trial was granted in January.