Regenerative medicine firm CollPlant launches Israel R&D centre
22/05/2019 13:18
TEL AVIV, May 22 (Reuters) - CollPlant CLGN.O , which makes
products for tissue repair and organ manufacturing from its
recombinant human collagen, has launched a new research and
development centre in Israel.
The facilities will serve CollPlant for development of its
products, including BioInks for 3D bioprinting of tissues and
organs, and dermal fillers for medical aesthetics, the company
said on Wednesday.
Collagen is a protein found in tissues such as tendons,
skin, blood vessels and bones. CollPlant produces collagen from
tobacco plants genetically engineered with five human genes. Its
first products approved for sale in Europe are used for
tendonitis and wound care.
It will seek to commercialize these products in the United
States, Chairman Jonathan Rigby said, adding: "We expect to
secure more partnerships in the future."
CollPlant is also working on dermal fillers to inject into
wrinkles. While current fillers erode over time, the effects of
human collagen last much longer, he told Reuters. The company
expects approval for this product in 3 to 5 years.
In 2018, CollPlant signed an agreement with United
Therapeutics Corp UTHR.O for the use of CollPlant’s BioInk for
3D bioprinting of lung scaffolds with a long-term goal of making
transplantable lungs, subject to U.S. regulatory approval.
(Reporting by Tova Cohen
Editing by Steven Scheer)
((tova.cohen@thomsonreuters.com; +972-9-899-0222; Reuters
Messaging: tova.cohen.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))