Regenerative medicine company Orthocell (ASX:OCC) has announced that the last patient in the Autologous Tenocyte Injection (OrthoATI) rotator cuff tendon study has completed their 12-month follow-up visit.
The study was designed to assess the effectiveness of Ortho-ATI, compared to corticosteroids, as a non-surgical treatment to a difficult clinical problem with limited treatment options.
The study has been led by Clinical Professor Allan Wang, Dr Jeff Hughes, Dr Jane Fitzpatrick and Professor Ming Hao Zheng.
Final data collection and validation is in progress with results expected in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Orthocell managing director Paul Anderson said, “We are delighted to have completed the 12-month follow-up of the last patient treated in this highly focused, randomised controlled study. This is an important development milestone for Ortho-ATI and the company, representing the first randomised controlled trial for a tendon cell therapy to be completed for this indication globally.”
The company said shoulder pain is the third most common reason to visit a general practice for a chronic musculoskeletal condition and the most common cause of shoulder pain is rotator cuff tendinopathy and tear.
Approximately five million patients present with rotator cuff tendinopathy in the US alone per year. Rotator cuff tears lead to considerable pain and disability, reduced quality of life and absenteeism from work, and are a significant burden on healthcare resources.