Osiris Therapeutics Announces the World's First Approval of a Stem Cell Therapy
Osiris Therapeutics announced that it received marketing authorization from Health Canada to market its stem cell therapy, Prochymal, for the treatment of graft-versus-host disease in children.
Osiris Therapeutics announced that it received marketing authorization from Health Canada to market its stem-cell therapy, Prochymal (remestemcel-L), for the treatment of graft-versus-host disease in children who fail to respond to steroids. Prochymal is a manufactured mesenchymal stem cell therapy derived from the bone marrow of healthy adult donors.
According to the company press release, Health Canada’s marketing authorization marks the world’s first approval of a manufactured stem-cell product, and the first approved treatment for graft-versus-host disease. The product was approved under Health Canada’s Notice of Compliance with conditions pathway, which is an accelerated approval pathway for products that address unmet medical conditions and which have shown a favorable risk/benefit profile in clinical trials. Under this pathway, further clinical trials will be required to verify the anticipated benefit.
Graft-versus-host disease is a complication resulting from bone marrow transplantation in which immune cells contained in the transplant recognize the recipient of the graft as foreign and mount an immune response. Severe graft-versus-host disease is fatal in as much as 80% of cases. Steroids are the first-line treatment, but have a success rate of only 30–50%. According to the company website, Prochymal is currently in Phase III trials in the US for treatment of graft-versus-host disease and Crohn’s disease and has been awarded both Orphan Drug and fast track status from FDA.
The Future of Cleanroom Construction: How Hybrid Solutions are Changing the Game
May 14th 2025Imagine a world where cleanroom facilities—essential for pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology, and high-tech industries—are built with unparalleled speed, precision, and efficiency. That world is here, thanks to the hybrid construction approach. By blending traditional stick-built methods with modular and prefabricated solutions, companies are overcoming the limitations of conventional construction while ensuring compliance with stringent industry regulations. In this interview, we explore how hybrid cleanroom construction is transforming the industry, offering faster project timelines, improved quality control, and significant cost advantages. Join us as we delve into this game-changing approach with industry experts who are leading the charge in revolutionizing cleanroom infrastructure.
The Role of On-Demand Manufacturing and Derisking in Accelerating Early Clinical Trial Success
June 4th 2025Small pharmaceutical companies are constantly seeking innovative solutions to streamline early clinical trials. Adaptive clinical trials offer important benefits to sponsors and patients, both from a commercial and ethical standpoint. These trials offer flexibility and efficiency, especially in the early stages, where trial protocols can be adjusted based on interim data, such as introducing new doses or modifying participant sample size. However, adjusting manufacturing demand during an adaptive trial can be complicated, and strict regulatory requirements present significant challenges. On-demand manufacturing provides a robust solution, allowing for real-time supply and demand adjustments and improved trial flexibility. This paper explores how on-demand manufacturing meets the operational needs of adaptive trials and aligns with regulatory expectations.
Mastering Antibody-Drug Conjugates
December 19th 2024In this episode, we explore BIOVECTRA’s capabilities in antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) manufacturing, from complex conjugation chemistry to synthesis of highly potent payloads. We’ll also showcase how BIOVECTRA’s extensive experience in complex chemistries and specialized small molecule manufacturing gives them a unique perspective, strengthening their approach to ADC production and ensuring clients receive custom solutions across all project stages.
