Vericel Corp. (VCEL)

[hurley cruppers]

No wonder why the FDA gave fast track and RMAT

Macrophages, specifically M2 macrophages, have anti-inflammatory and remodeling actions. The macrophages found in ixmyelocel-T show an expression mainly of M2 markers. However, rather than secreting the active heterodimer IL-12 p70 (which have pro-inflammatory functions), ixmyelocel-T macrophages release a comparable amount less than a typical M1 or M2 macrophage. In fact, ixmyelocel-T had shown to secrete elevated levels of IL-10 (anti-inflammatory functions) at a significant level. 7 Finally, with phagocytic properties, these cells could act to remove necrotic tissue and apoptotic cells in diseased or damaged tissues, such as those in dilated cardiomyopathy.8 Actions of these cells have warranted justification in studying ixmyelocel-T for tissue regeneration and repair. In a rat model, an incision was given to the hind-limb along the femoral artery of rats. After intramuscular injections in the ischemic limb, ixmyelocel-T had shown to secrete pro-angiogenic cytokines to allow repair. Nitric oxide, a regulator of blood flow and a proliferation enhancer, was also shown to have increased levels in the rats treated with ixmyelocel-T. Along with NO promotion, ixmyelocel-T has the ability to reduce inflammation and apoptosis in endothelial cells.9