DiscGenics is partnering with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct research into forming tissue-engineered discs, according to an Oct. 18 news release.
DiscGenics' proprietary Discogenic cells will be assessed in use with the VA's whole, tissue-engineered endplate-modified disc-like angle ply structure, called eDAPS. They are living tissue-engineered resorbable polymer vertebral disc implants mimicking natural disc function and structure.
The eDAPS are designed to replace degenerated discs for patients with late-stage intervertebral disc degeneration.
"A biologic disc replacement in lieu of existing mechanical devices would continue to change the paradigm of spine care away from a device-centric model to one of disease modification through biologic and cell-based treatments," Kevin Foley, MD, chief medical officer of DiscGenics, said in the release.