Australia-based Mesoblast is one-of-the-world's leading developer of innovative biological products in regenerative medicine. Leveraging on its unique proprietary adult mesenchymal precursor cells technology, the company is targeting cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, inflammatory conditions of lungs and joints, cartilage degeneration and musculoskeletal conditions.

The company started the year on a positive note with positive results from the phase II clinical trial of their product NeoFuse that comprises allogeneic Mesenchymal Precursor Cells (MPCs) for lumbar spinal fusion. The company on January 30, 2013, also received US FDA's nod to commence a phase II clinical trial evaluating a single intravenous infusion of allogeneic, MPCs for the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis.

In an interview with BioSpectrum, Professor Silviu Itescu, CEO, Mesoblast, speaks about the company's platform technology and its future plans for growth and commercialization of products.

Tell us in detail about Mesoblast's platform technology.
Mesoblast is developing advanced biotherapeutics based on its broad, proprietary and patented allogeneic adult Mesenchymal Precursor Cell (MPC) technology platform. This novel technology is being developed to focus on medical conditions with unmet needs such as diabetes and its complications, inflammatory and immune diseases of the joints and lungs, vertebral spine restoration, eye diseases and cardiovascular conditions.

The other businesses of the company include adult stem cell technology platform and high margin allogeneic or ‘off-the-shelf' products readily available at time and place of need. Mesoblast's control of manufacturing enables the company to delineate products to support and separate partner markets, optimize reimbursement strategies and manage product life-cycles.