Genzyme Corporation

Biosurface Technology, Inc.

Ross A Tubo

Richard Odessey

Leesa M Barone

Susan F Schaeffer

Alexander Schermer

Courtney A Wrenn

Tracey Lodie

Michele Youd

Scott Eisenbeis

Methods and compositions for treating an autoimmune disease, such as new onset type 1 diabetes (T1D) in a subject using autologous or allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells administered to the subject prior to autoimmune-induced complete depletion of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells, e.g., within six months of new onset type 1 diabetes (T1D) diagnosis or prior to the onset of disease in a subject determined to be at high risk for T1D.

Method of treating autoimmune disease with mesenchymal stem cells

Provided are methods and compositions for the repair of articular cartilage defects in a mammal. Denuded chondrogenic cells are proliferated ex vivo as monolayer cultures in order to expand the pool of available chondrogenic cells. During proliferation the chondrogenic cells stop secreting the extracellular matrix components, type II collagen and sulfated proteoglycans. The proliferated cells then are seeded into a pre-shaped well having a cell contacting, cell abhesive surface. The cells cultured in the well redifferentiate and begin to secrete cartilage-specific extracellular matrix again. Accordingly, essentially unlimited amounts of synthetic cartilage may be prepared from small samples of biopsy tissue. Also provided are methods for surgically repairing articular cartilage defects in mammals using the synthetic cartilage prepared in accordance with the invention.

Methods and compositions for the repair of articular cartilage defects

Disclosed is a method of cryopreserving a sheet of living, cultured epithelial cells for use as a skin wound dressing. The method ensures that the integrity of the sheet will be maintained, and it preserves a significant number of cells in a mitotically competent, physiologically healthy form. It involves use of a non cell penetrating cryoprotectant and certain freezing and thawing conditions.

Cryopreservation of cultured epithelial sheets

The viability of cohesive sheets of cultured epithelial cells such as keratinocytes used as wound dressings is maintained or improved by storage at a temperature within the range of 8.degree.-25.degree. C., preferably 13.degree.-23.degree. C., for periods greater than 8 hours, preferably up to 26 hours. This method and the resulting product permits a significant increase in the shipping radius of cultured dressings manufactured in a central facility, and increases flexibility in scheduling of shipments and surgical procedures.

Cool storage of cultured epithelial sheets

Disclosed is a container for the storage and distribution of a cultured epithelial, generally planar, living, skin wound dressing that allows the dressing to be gently removed by lifting perpendicular to a support surface in the container. The design minimizes handling of the graft dressing thereby promoting cell viability.

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Quincy, MA, United States of America

Ross A Tubo