Our Technology
A proprietary protein, delivered subcutaneously, that stimulates heart regeneration after cardiac injury
The Discovery
Inducing Cardiac Regeneration in Humans
The devastating impact of myocardial infarction is a result of the inability of the adult human heart to regenerate after injury. Cells in some other tissues, such as skin and bone, will proliferate to rebuild damaged tissue. In the heart, however, once damage occurs, it is permanent...until now.
The founders of Regencor have discovered that a non-glycosylated variant form of FSTL1, which is not normally present in humans, can promote cardiac regeneration. This proprietary protein can drive human cardiac muscle proliferation in vitro, and heart regeneration in adult mammals after myocardial infarction.
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The regenerative protein safely promotes:
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New cardiac muscle growth
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New myocardial blood vessel formation
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Significant scar reduction
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Significant recovery of cardiac function
Our Product
Q-Beads
We are developing Q-Beads, a subcutaneous depot formulation for the API (non-glycosylated FSTL1). Q-beads are designed to release the API over 30 days, and are administered in a single injection during an outpatient visit.
Evolution of the Q-Beads Formulation
01 EpicaPatch
Proof of concept for the regenerative activity of our API was first demonstrated in mice and adult pigs using a depot collagen patch (EpicaPatch) applied over the surface of the infarct zone. The EpicaPatch was designed to be a back-up formulation compatible with coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).
02 MyoBeads
The regenerative activity of our API was confirmed in adult pigs using a second developmental depot formulation, PLGA microparticles (MyoBeads) infused through the infarct related artery directly into the infarct zone. The MyoBeads were designed to be a back-up formulation compatible with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
03 Q-Beads
The successful demonstration of regenerative activity using the MyoBeads led to the development of the commercial formulation, the Q-Beads. This Q-Bead clinical formulation was derived from the MyoBeads, and uses similar encapsulation technology but is administered subcutaneously to outpatients. This Q-Bead formulation is superior because it does not require revascularization procedures (CABG or PCI), and it can be used for both the acute MI and the chronic heart failure markets. Q-Beads are easy to administer requiring only a single subcutaneous injection.
• If you are interested in learning more about the science behind our tech,check out our selected literature
The unique elements of regencor’s therapeutic approach:
Potential to cure heart failure
Our recombinant protein reverses tissue damage, restores cardiac function, and prevents progression to heart failure after MI.
Candidate for accelerated FDA approval
Likely designated as regenerative medicine advanced therapy.
Simple critical path for development
Does not utilize complex biologicals that must be delivered by injected vectors or cells.
Straightforward clinical implementation
Outpatient subcutaneous administration.
Deep market penetration
Our formulation is designed for use in both the acute MI & the chronic heart failure markets.
Established proof of safety & efficay
Demonstrated in both small and large animal studies.
Intellectual Property
Issued Patents
US 8,975,230 B2 & US 8,329,650 B2
Inventors: Walsh et al. Method of treating ischemic injury with follistatin-like 1 polypeptide.
Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions related to the discovery that the Follistatin-like 1 protein (Fstl-1) has metabolic and cardioprotective effects in vivo. Fstl-1 and portions and derivatives or variants thereof can be used to treat or prevent metabolic diseases or disorders and to treat or prevent cardiac damage caused by interrupted cardiac muscle blood supply.
US 10,149,922 B1
Inventors: Ruiz-Lozano et al. Engineered collagen matrices for myocardial therapy.
Abstract: Disclosed is a patch system for use in a patient with a damaged heart. The patch comprises both a biodegradable engineered collagen scaffold to provide structural support to the injured heart and therapeutic agents, which are delivered by the patch to the heart. The scaffold consists of a dense collagen lamella produced by plastic compression with biomechanical properties that make it compatible with beating heart tissue, e.g. stiffness in a predefined range. One therapeutic agent, Fstl1, is shown to induce cardiomyocyte proliferation and enhance cardiac regeneration after injury. The patch can also be loaded with functionalized nanoparticles to yield multi-modal imaging capabilities in vivo. Also disclosed is a method for implanting the patch onto a patient's heart.
US 10, 682,416
Inventors: Ruiz-Lozano et al. Epicardial-derived paracrine factors for repairing cardiac tissue.
Abstract: Provided herein, inter alia, are compositions and kits comprising epicardial-derived paracrine factors (such as, hypoglycosylated follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1)) for treating and repairing damage to cardiac tissue caused by cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction (MI), other ischemic events, or cardiac-growth deficiency, as well as methods for using the same.
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Highlights of this patent family:
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Composition of Matter, Pharmaceutical Compositions and Uses of Hypoglycosylated FSTL1 issued in the US, Japan and Australia
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Clean ISR & WO by International Search Authority
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Entered National Phase: US, Canada, Europe, Australia, Japan, China (Oct 9th, 2017)
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Will provide COM protection for the API until at least 2035