ASMDC-PLGA microcarriers

ASMDC-PLGA microcarriers is an experimental, autologous cell therapy and tissue-engineered investigational product being developed by University College London (UCL) under the AMELIE (Anchored Muscle cELls for IncontinencE) research project, which is funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 programme. The therapy consists of autologous skeletal muscle-derived cells (ASMDC) harvested from the patient's own muscle via biopsy, which are then attached ('anchored') to highly porous, biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microcarriers fabricated using a thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) process. This combined cell-microcarrier product is injected once into the external anal sphincter muscle to promote cell engraftment, muscle regeneration, and restoration of sphincter function. By delivering cells in an anchored state rather than a suspension, the therapy aims to improve cell viability and integration with host tissue. It is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 first-in-human clinical study (ISRCTN10591726) for the treatment of adult women with chronic faecal incontinence caused by obstetric anal sphincter injury.

Other names

autologous skeletal muscle-derived cells anchored to PLGA microcarriersautologous skeletal muscle-derived cell PLGA microcarrier combinationASMDC-PLGA microcarrier combination treatmentanchored muscle cells