AA-based Aastrom on leading edge of stem cell product development

Stem cell research has progressed to the point where up to six products for adult treatments could be on the market in as soon as two years, including one from Ann Arbor-based Aastrom.

Excerpt:

Aastrom, formed in 1991, takes bone marrow collected from patients by their doctors, processes it, then mails back the stem cells to be reintroduced into the patient's body at fracture sites. The company's method was developed by researchers at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Its process manipulates and expands the cells, so extensive testing will be required to obtain FDA approval.

Aastrom is also conducting trials that use stem cells in spinal fusion, jawbone reconstruction and a rare disease, osteonecrosis, which often requires repeated hip replacements.

The company plans to begin final-stage trials for osteonecrosis in the first half of this year.

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