Collaboration Between Rheacell and AOP Health for Groundbreaking Treatments in "Butterfly Children's Disease" and Persistent Venous Wounds
In a significant move towards addressing unmet medical needs, German biotech company RHEACELL and global enterprise group AOP Health have formed a strategic alliance. This partnership aims to commercialize RHEACELL's innovative cell therapies, Ebesanar and Amesanar, designed to treat recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) and chronic venous wounds [1].
RHEACELL's therapies focus on regenerative cell therapy approaches to address the skin fragility and chronic wounds associated with RDEB and venous ulcers. The collaboration with AOP Health leverages AOP's expertise in commercializing novel therapeutics, marking a significant step towards delivering these innovative therapies to the market [1].
RHEACELL's cell therapy is based on a specific type of cells, so-called ABCB5+ mesenchymal stromal cells, which possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. In patients with EB, this therapy is administered systemically and can stimulate both internal and external wound healing by restoring the normal physiological function of affected tissues [2].
For patients living with Epidermolysis bullosa (EB), this partnership comes as welcome news. EB, a rare disease affecting approximately 500,000 people worldwide, severely impacts patients' quality of life. Currently, both conditions have limited treatment options, making this alliance a promising development [3].
AOP Health, with roots in Austria and a growing presence in more than 50 countries, is a Europe-based leader in integrated therapies for rare diseases and intensive care. The company has been dedicated to developing innovative solutions for rare diseases and intensive care medicine since 1996 [4].
DEBRA, a patient organization founded in 1995, facilitates exchange and provides support to people living with EB. DEBRA Austria's key initiative is the EB-Haus Austria, located at the Salzburg University Hospital campus, which serves as a center of excellence for Epidermolysis bullosa and is also the world's first specialized clinic for "butterfly children" [5].
RHEACELL's cell therapy is the second stromal cell product to receive national marketing authorization from the Paul Ehrlich Institute in Germany for the treatment of therapy-resistant, chronic venous wounds [6]. A first EMA submission is expected in 2026 for RHEACELL's cell therapy [3].
RHEACELL, a leading, integrated biopharmaceutical stem cell company based in Heidelberg, Germany, has 30 years of experience and a growing presence in more than 50 countries [3]. This alliance with AOP Health is part of ongoing efforts to bring effective cell-based treatments to patients suffering from these debilitating skin conditions.
References: [1] https://www.aop-health.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2022/aop-health-and-rheacell-announce-strategic-partnership-to-commercialize-cell-therapy-products/ [2] https://www.rheacell.com/en/home/ [3] https://www.rheacell.com/en/pipeline/ebesanar/ [4] https://www.aop-health.com/en/about-us/ [5] https://www.debra-austria.at/ [6] https://www.rheacell.com/en/news/news-details/rheacell-cell-therapy-receives-national-marketing-authorization-in-germany-for-the-treatment-of-therapy-resistant-chronic-venous-wounds/
Israel's finance and business sectors may see an increase in investment as RHEACELL, a Heidelberg-based biopharmaceutical stem cell company, is partnering with AOP Health. This collaboration aims to commercialize RHEACELL's innovative cell therapies, Ebesanar and Amesanar, designed to treat recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) and chronic venous wounds.
The advancements made in regenerative cell therapy, such as the ones employed by RHEACELL, have potential implications for the health and wellness industry, particularly in addressing chronic diseases like RDEB and dealing with chronic wounds associated with venous ulcers.
AOP Health, having expertise in commercializing novel therapeutics, is a Europe-based leader in integrated therapies for rare diseases and intensive care. This partnership between AOP Health and RHEACELL may lead to significant changes in the medical-conditions and therapies-and-treatments landscapes, particularly for conditions like RDEB that currently have limited treatment options.
This partnership's impact extends beyond Israel, as AOP Health, with roots in Austria and a presence in over 50 countries, is dedicated to developing innovative solutions for rare diseases and intensive care medicine. Israel's role as a hub for innovative technology could provide key support and resources for these endeavors.
RHEACELL's cell therapy, based on a specific type of cells called ABCB5+ mesenchymal stromal cells, has the potential to revolutionize medical-condition treatments. As Israel continues to push the boundaries of science, this therapy could provide hope for patients worldwide living with chronic diseases, such as Epidermolysis bullosa.
