Medipost (KOSDAQ:078160) released news that the Korean FDA has approved Cartistem to treat osteoarthritis. Cartistem consists of allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells from umbilical cord blood. The product is marketed in Korea by partner Dong-A Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (KSE:000640). Medipost also has FDA clearance to conduct a Phase I/IIa trial of Cartistem in the U.S.
We see this as a posityive sign for other companies that believe an allogeneic MSC can be efficacious in osteoarthritis. Companies active in this area with watching include MesoBlast (MSB) and Tigenix (NYSE Euronext Brussels: TIG).