Fibrocell and Intrexon ink deal on inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the joint

US cell and gene therapy company Fibrocell Science (Nasdaq: FCSC) and biotech firm Intrexon (NYSE: XON) have entered into an exclusive channel collaboration (ECC) for the development of genetically-modified fibroblasts to treat chronic inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the joint, including arthritis and related conditions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, arthritis - characterized by joint inflammation, pain, and decreased range of motion - is the USA’s most common cause of disability affecting more than 52 million adults as well as 300,000 children at a cost exceeding $120 billion.

“The synergy of our versatile fibroblast platform with Intrexon’s genetic engineering is readily apparent through two product candidates, FCX-007 and FCX-013, which have generated encouraging preclinical data across difficult-to-treat indications,” said David Pernock, chairman and chief executive of Fibrocell, adding: “We are excited by the expansion of our relationship with Intrexon and believe the power of our combined platforms will allow us to vie for leadership in this major therapeutic category and bring hope to patients and their families.”