For sports professionals or the younger lot suffering from the debilitating disease of osteoarthritis of knee, ankle and shoulder joints, here’s some news that will offer them relief. Mumbai-based Regenerative Medical Services Regrow, the premier biotechnology group in the country, has come up with cell therapy in the field of orthopaedics. The group aims to replace the damaged tissue and accelerate the natural process of stem cell therapy with the help of minimally invasive surgeries that have no side effects at a reasonable cost.
Chondron Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation is the country’s first homegrown stem cell success saga. It makes use of the body’s own cartilage, which is cultured for a period of one month at the group’s cell processing centre at Lonavala. The cultured cell is suitably implanted into the damaged part of the patient’s body resulting in regeneration of new cartilage and making the patient refrain from joint replacement process.
Satyen Sanghavi, chief scientific officer and executive director, RMS Regrow said, “In today’s busy world, the most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis that has affected nearly 15 million people and knee pain has become chronic. The younger generation is highly prone to osteoarthritis. With Chondron ACI, regeneration of cartilage is the best option since it promises minimally invasive and personalised treatment, improves the quality of life, suits the budget of the patient, helps to regain normal activities fully and provides long-term relief. Chondron ACI is performed for patients with damaged joints within the age bracket of 15 to 65 years. Sports professionals suffering from any injury can bounce back to their physical activities only after six months with the regeneration process.”
Usually the patient undergoing stem cell therapy is discharged on the first day once he is implanted and after three weeks’ time, he is hospitalised for two days and then finally discharged.
The regenerative medical group came into existence in 2009 and till now, around 350 patients have been treated with stem cell therapy in the country. Sanghavi further said, “Patients undergoing stem cell therapy have to shell out Rs 2 lakh and the amount is reimbursed by healthcare insurance groups.” The regeneration process imparts safe and effective mode of treatment. Sanghavi said, “We are in parleys to form tieups with major superspeciality healthcare players like Apollo Group of Hospitals and Medica Group in leading metros of India. We are also in talks with state governments to introduce the stem cell therapy in state government hospitals.”
These minimally invasive surgeries are in high demand in Kolkata, the National Capital Region and Tamil Nadu. Sanghavi said, “Around 10 per cent of orthopaedic surgeries are performed in West Bengal. These days, a sedentary lifestyle, trauma, accidents, obesity and sports injuries are the major causes of osteoarthritis.”