Millerton, Okla.-based Phillips Co. announced that rub-it-on TetraStem treatment can help spinal cord-injured patients recover.
Here are six things to know:
1. The treatment is delivered via a highly-penetrative ointment that creates stem cells deep below the skin.
2. TetraStem is a tetracycline-based topic antibiotic that is FDA-approved to treat cuts and burns. Five years ago, the drug's ability to induce stem-cell healing became apparent in animal research before successfully working on humans.
3. Old spinal cord injuries are typically very difficult to treat, but Phillips has managed to obtain good results after treating patients.
4. The treatment doesn't require hospitalization due to its topical nature and has yet to exhibit any side effects.
5. Phillips is a not-for-profit FDA-registered drug manufacturing company.
6. TetraStem is expected to be transferred to a larger pharmaceutical company for high volume production.
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