MediPost Begins Phase 2 Clinical Trial of 'Cartistem' in Japan

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Medipost announced on the 21st that it has commenced Phase 2 clinical trials in Japan for its knee osteoarthritis stem cell treatment, "Cartistem."

According to Medipost, the Phase 2 clinical trial of Cartistem in Japan, approved last December, was scheduled to start in the first quarter of this year but was delayed due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

The Japanese Phase 2 trial, which proceeds by skipping Phase 1 based on the recognition of Korean clinical data, will involve a total of 50 patients with K&L grade 2 to 4 who are undergoing high tibial osteotomy (HTO) concurrently. High tibial osteotomy is a treatment for degenerative knee osteoarthritis that reduces pain by correcting bowlegs.

A Medipost official stated, "Japan is a world-leading super-aged country with more than ten times the number of knee osteoarthritis patients compared to Korea. Additionally, there is high interest in expensive cell therapies, and the medical system for degenerative diseases is well established, making Japan optimal for Cartistem's global market entry."

They added, "We also plan to apply for Phase 3 clinical trials in Japan for patients with K&L grades 2 to 3, which was delayed due to COVID-19, within this year."

Meanwhile, the domestic Phase 1 clinical trial of the injectable knee osteoarthritis treatment (SMUP-IA-01) for patients with K&L grades 2 to 3 is expected to conclude by the end of this year. After announcing the clinical results in the first half of next year, the next clinical trial will be pursued.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.