Inventors:
Peter A. Zahos - Harrington Park NJ, US
Anthony Calabro - Cleveland Heights OH, US
Aniq B. Darr - Piscataway NJ, US
Richard A. Gross - Plainview NY, US
Assignee:
The Cleveland Clinic Foundation - Cleveland OH
International Classification:
C08G 63/91, C08G 65/48, A61K 31/775
US Classification:
424423, 424426, 514 53, 514 54, 525 541, 525 542, 5253262, 525420, 525540
Abstract:
A synthetic nucleus pulposus is provided that is useful in treatment of degenerative disc disease, augmentation of a degenerate disc, and alleviation of back pain. In an embodiment the synthetic nucleus pulposus comprises hyaluronan macromolecules that have been cross-linked via dihydroxyphenyl linkages. The synthetic nucleus pulposus restores or improves the water-retention capability of the disc. A method of treating an intervertebral disc with the cross-linked hyaluronan macromolecules is also provided. A method of regenerative therapy to address loss of cells of nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc based on treatment with the cross-linked hyaluronan macromolecules and mesenchymal stem cells is also provided.