ATZ Stem Cells
The problem
Multipotent adult stem cells for regenerative medicine
The Curileum team has identified a new source of multipotent adult stem cells in the lower part of the gut for regenerative medicine.
Stem cells found at the transition zone of two developmental tissues – called the anorectal transition zone (ATZ) – have been shown in in vivo models to heal fistulas and generate new tissues in liver and pancreas in allogeneic (non-self) environments.
Perianal fistulas are a common problem for people with Crohn’s disease and can cause infection as well as negatively impacting wellbeing. Surgery1 is2 often the only treatment option, but there are significant limitations to its success.
ATZ stem cells could offer the first curative treatment for perianal fistulas, as well as offering treatment potential for a wide range of other diseases.
Curileum has three pending patent applications for ATZ stem cells.
[1] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anal-fistula/treatment/
[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12263552/
