Cipla partner Stempeutics puts India on the world map of regenerative meds

The Drugs Controller General India (DCGI) has granted limited approval for manufacturing and marketing of stem cell based biological product Stempeucel for the treatment of Buerger's disease.

Stempucel was developed by Bangalore-based Stempeutics Research, a group company of Manipal Education & Medical Group and a joint venture with Indian drugmaker Cipla Group (BSE: 500087). Stempeucel becomes fifth off-the-shelf stem cell product to be approved by a regulatory body, anywhere in the world, according to the company.

Buerger's disease is a rare and severe disease affecting the blood vessels of the legs. It is characterized by inflammation and occlusion of the vessels of extremities resulting in reduced blood flow to these areas, thus leading to severe pain and ulcers or necrosis, which finally may require amputation. Stempeucel treatment is designed to enhance the body's limited capability to restore blood flow in ischemic tissue by reducing inflammation and improving neovascularization.