COLUMBIA, Md., Jan. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Osiris Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:OSIR), announced today that  a new peer-reviewed manuscript “Human cryopreserved viable amniotic membrane inhibits the growth of bacteria associated with chronic wounds” (Mao et al.) has been published in the Journal of Diabetic Foot Complications and available online.

Chronic wounds are on the rise and represent an enormous financial burden to the patient and to the healthcare system. Wound related infection is a serious complication, which increases the risk of hospitalization and often leads to amputation. Placental membranes have a long history of use for management of wounds. One of the properties of placental membranes in utero is to protect the fetus from infections. However, limited availability and short shelf-life precluded the widespread use of fresh placental tissues. Progress in tissue preservation resulted in fast commercialization of placental membranes. However, preservation techniques can lead to varying degrees of damage to the tissue components, and therefore affect the functional properties of placental membranes.

In the published study, antimicrobial properties of human cryopreserved viable amniotic membrane (hCVAM) were investigated. This study was conducted in the laboratory of Professor Kohn at the New Jersey Center for Biomaterials at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. The effect of hCVAM against 6 pathogens associated with chronic wounds – E. faecium, S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa, and E. aerogenes (ESKAPE) - was evaluated. Results show that hCVAM inhibited the growth of all ESKAPE bacteria in vitro.

“Deficiencies in chronic wound environment preclude wound closure leading to high risk for wound infection. Therefore, wound care modalities should not only support natural wound repair process, but also possess antimicrobial properties. Results of the study indicate that the cryopreserved viable placental amnion retains both properties of the native tissue,” says Professor Joachim Kohn, who is the Director of the New Jersey Center for Biomaterials at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, the Principal Investigator of the study.

About Osiris Therapeutics

Osiris Therapeutics, Inc., based in Columbia, Maryland, is a world leader in researching, developing and marketing regenerative medicine products that improve health and lives of patients and lower overall healthcare costs.  Having developed the world’s first approved stem cell drug, the company continues to advance its research and development in biotechnology by focusing on innovation in regenerative medicine – including bioengineering, stem cell research and viable tissue based products.  Osiris has achieved commercial success with products in orthopaedics, sports medicine and wound care, including BIO4®, Cartiform®, Grafix®  and Stravix™.

Osiris, Grafix, Cartiform, and Stravix are trademarks of Osiris Therapeutics, Inc.  BIO4 is a trademark of Howmedica Osteonics Corp.  More information can be found on the company's website, www.Osiris.com.   (OSIR-G)

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements.  For a variety of reasons, actual results may differ materially from those described in or contemplated by any such forward-looking statement.  Examples of forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, forecast for commercial opportunities or statements regarding anticipated efficiencies and advantages of products or services.  Consequently, the reader is cautioned to consider all forward-looking statements in light of the risks to which they are subject.

For additional information, please contact:

 Diane Savoie
Osiris Therapeutics, Inc.
(443) 545-1834
OsirisPR@Osiris.com

 

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