Stempeutics receives US patent nod for CLI treatment drug

Drug major Cipla today said its joint venture firm Stempeutics Research has received a process patent approval from the US Patent and Trademarks Office (USPTO) for its stem-cell based drug Stempeucel, used in treating critical limb ischemia (CLI).
The Bengaluru-based firm, which was founded by Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG) in 2006 and later entered into a strategic alliance with Cipla in 2009, said Stempeucel will initially be used for the treatment of CLI.
"We believe that the Stempeucel product is a game-changer offering an advanced therapeutic treatment for millions of patient suffering with this dreadful disease," Stempeutics CEO B N Manohar said in a statement.

CLI is a progressive form of peripheral arterial disease, which blocks the arteries in the lower extremities, resulting into reduction of the blood flow.
Cipla New Ventures Head Chandru Chawla said: "Through Cipla group's investment in Stempeutics, we are demonstrating a firm commitment bringing the next generation of biologics in order to address unmet medical needs."
Stempeucel is derived from cells extracted from the bone marrow of healthy, adult voluntary donors.
Cipla stock closed at Rs 724.70, down 0.81 per cent, on the BSE.