• Subproject 1
  Prof. Dr. med. E. Zrenner
• Subproject 2
  Prof Dr. med., Dipl.-Ing. Mathias W. Seeliger
  Dr. rer. nat Regine Mühlfriedel
  Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Uwe Wolfrum
• Subproject 3
  Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Bernhard Weber
• Subproject 4
  Prof. Dr. rer. nat Bernd Wissinger
  (Principal Investigator)
  Dr. rer. nat. Susanne Kohl
• Subproject 5
  Dr. rer. nat. Marius Ueffing
  Dr. rer. nat. Stefanie Hauck
• Subproject 6
  Dr. Christine Wallrapp
• Subproject 7
  Dr. rer. nat. Thomas H. Wheeler-Schilling,
  Franz Badura

Production of CellBeads® for preclinical studies and human use

• Dr. Christine Wallrapp (Principal Investigator)
  CellMed AG, Alzenau, Germany
  http://www.cellmed.com

Objectives

A proper delivery system for the continuous treatment of hereditary retinal dystrophies with neurotrophic factors is in development. The system is based on the CellBead® technology and adapted to the intended use by addressing following items:

• Production and optimisation of miniaturized GLP-1 CellBeads® for testing in mice disease models for hereditary retinal dystrophies
• Development and characterization of a stable human mesenchymal stromal cell line secreting neurotrophic factor identified by partners of the consortium

Summary

Standard formulations of drugs (e.g. injections, pills) result in unbalanced delivery of the substance to the patient at the target tissue. Major challenges are a constant substance level over time and under certain circumstances systemic delivery is required where local delivery is preferred. To overcome these drawbacks, CellMed AG has developed the CellBead® system for local drug delivery. CellBeads® consist of encapsulated genetically modified cells secreting an active therapeutic agent, in most cases a peptide. Encapsulation is performed using CellMed´s biopolymer called Phycomer, highly purified sodium alginate, which protects the cells from the patient's immune system but allowing for supply with survival factors and nutrients as well as the release of secreted factors. Thereby, long-term functionality of the implant is guaranteed. CellMed AG manufactures CellBeads® under GMP-conditions and a clinical trial using CellBeads® is currently ongoing.
CellMed AG has developed a local long-term drug delivery system for providing a constant level of an active agent. This system is highly adaptable and the use of cell lines secreting neurotrophic factors for the treatment of hereditary retinal dystrophies (established in collaboration with partners of the HOPE-consortium) will be the basis for the development of a suitable delivery system for both, animal disease models and humans. Furthermore, GLP-1 CellBeads® secreting the anti-apoptotic factor glucagon-like-factor-1 (GLP-1) are established for human and will be used for this new indication in established animal models.