Ocata results show promise for lupus treatment
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Results published in the journal Scientific Reports suggest that Marlborough-based Ocata Therapeutics has developed technology that can be used to prevent lupus nephritis, a fatal complication in patients with lupus.
Dr. Robert Lanza, chief scientific officer at Ocata, said the company has shown that its proprietary stem cell technology, known as hemangio-derived mesenchymal cell (HMC) technology, can alter kidney inflammation associated with lupus. The results show that the cells prevented the progression of fatal lupus and reduced other kidney-related complications.
Lupus is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks its own tissues and organs causing symptoms like swelling, rashes and joint pain. The large majority of people with lupus are women ages 15 and 45.
According to Ocata, current therapies available for lupus patients are not curative and can carry adverse side-effects, particularly with long-term use. The clinical-stage HMC platform is being evaluated for treatment in multiple autoimmune disorders, not just lupus, according to Paul Wotton, CEO of Ocata.
“Importantly, this technology could enable scalable manufacturing for global distribution of potent HMCs for off-the-shelf therapeutic use,” Wotton said in a statement.
Ocata is conducting a number of cell therapy research programs, and has chiefly focused on therapies for diseases causing blindness. In November, Ocata announced it would be acquired by a Japanese company for $379 million.
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