Orthocell’s micro collagen bandages aid paralysed muscles

Orthocell (ASX:OCC) is reporting the latest trial of its patented Remplir nerve reconstruction treatment is successful in helping patients with paralysed upper limbs recover function of muscles. 

At 24 months post treatment, 85% of participants functionally recovered muscle control of those muscles controlled by repaired nerves treated with Remplir (23 of 27 patients,) the 12 month success rate saw 25 of 33 participants recover function, according to the company. 

The Remplir product ultimately uses a collagen-based microscopic wrap product (read: a very small bandage) which is used to house two re-connected nerves in such a fashion those nerves re-connect and re-grow in a way that allows greater regeneration outcomes than those in historical medical practices. 

The company expects the global market value of peripheral nerve construction to be worth more than US$7bn a year with some 3,000,000 surgeries completed each year which could use Remplir as an accessory product. 

(Source: Orthocell) An infographic outlining results for Quadriplegic patients

Targeting Australian markets; US approvals

Orthocell notes it is now progressing its discussions with marketing and distribution partners in Australia after receiving regulatory approval in March this year; as well as developing its strategy to win approvals from the US FDA. 

The two year success rate growth was also demonstrated in the trial's quadriplegic patient cohort, with 13 of 17 patients seeing functional recovery after 12 months, and that number jumped higher after 24 months (though, a number of patients dropping out of the trial helped to grow this statistic.) 

Restoring quality of life outcomes 

The study specifically focused on injuries to the spinal cord, brachial plexus and other peripheral hand and arm nerves, with upper limbs (hands and arms) the targeted prospects of the study. 

The company also claims that patient outcomes have continued to approve beyond the 24 month cutoff time for the longitudinal study. 

While patients were not able to regain 100% former quality of life control over muscles, the company notes that participants were able to regain independence, for example, transferring in and out of wheelchairs without assistance, and performing daily care activities such as brushing teeth and drinking from non-specialty cups.

Orthocell's three month charts (red points highlight sensitive announcements)