Fibrocell Science, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: FCSC) is a biotechnology company focused on developing autologous cell therapies for aesthetic, medical and scientific applications. Fibrocell Science is committed to advancing the scientific, medical and commercial potential of autologous skin and tissue, as well its innovative cellular processing technology and manufacturing excellence.
The company makes LAVIV (azficel-T), a groundbreaking new way to rejuvenate skin. LAVIV is the first and only FDA-approved treatment that uses a patient’s own collagen-producing cells (fibroblasts) to improve the look of smile lines. LAVIV is available exclusively through Fibrocell-trained, board-certified dermatologists and plastic surgeons. An ever growing list of practicing dermatologists and surgeons is available at MyLaviv.com.
In a recent video interview, Fibrocell CEO David Pernock explains more about what a fibroblast is and how the company's process works:
“The fibroblasts that we have reside directly under the dermis of the skin and what they're responsible for is the production of collagen and other growth factors, which help to support the skin." He explains that when we age, our number of fibroblasts diminishes. As a result, the skin looks thinner and wrinkles appear.
He continues,
"What we do, through a revolutionary process - actually the first and only of its kind in the world - is to take a small sample of skin from a patient, separate the fibroblast cell, [and] reproduce hundreds of millions of fibroblast cells directly from the patient for reintroduction underneath the skin."
View the full video below.
See Wikipedia.com for more information on fibroblasts.
Fibrocell is currently working on other applications for LAVIV, including acne scarring, restrictive burn scars, and vocal cord scarring. The company also has several additional projects in the works, including a personalized skin care cream as a complimentary sale to LAVIV as well as a stem cell program with UCLA and Mit. The company has announced an exclusive license with UCLA on Dermal Cell Research, and a research collaboration with MIT.
For more information on Fibrocell, see the company's August 2012 Investor Presentation below.