Speaker
Description
Large cartilage defect of the knee joint can cause a major disabilty for young patients. At the UMC Utrecht, a one-stage cell therapy was developed, combining autologous chondrons with allogenieic mesenchymal stromal cells (IMPACT treatment). The IMPACT treatment is a perfect example of how a new brining a novel treatment from bench to bedside, a result of collaboration between (lab)researchers and clinicians. IMPACT has been proven safe in a first-in-man treatment (N=35) and clinical results up to 10 years demonstrate clinical efficacy compared to pre-treatment (figure 1). Furthermore, a phase III randomized treatment demonstrated superior results of IMPACT compared to non-surgical treatment (figure 2). Patients were allowed to cross-over after 9 months of follow-up and also clinically improved after IMPACT, similar to the patients that were immediately randomized in the IMPACT group. IMPACT is classified as an advanced therapeutic medicical product (ATMP). Besides bringing this treatment fo regular care by obtaining authorisation and reimbursement, the IMPACT treatment can create a platform for other research and treatment, for example combining IMPACT with 3D printed bone structures for the treatment of large osteochondral defects.
