OsteoMiR™ for Intervertebral Disc Disease (Lower Back Pain)

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), aka, low back pain is a very common health problem and a major cause of disability that affects work performances and well-being. In most cases, IVDD is a result of wear and tear of the lower spine resulting in damage and ultimately degeneration of the intervertebral disc. IVDD causes an enormous economic burden on individuals, families, communities, industry and governments. In the UK, IVDD is the most common cause of disability in young adults: with more than 100 million workdays lost per year. In the United States, an estimated 149 million days of work per year are lost because of lower back pain.[1]
At present IVDD is treated with analgesics; alternatively, physiotherapy rehabilitation can be prescribed. Disc surgery remains the last option when all other strategies have failed. Currently, there are no disease-modifying therapies approved for the treatment of IVDD. Based on the molecular pathology of the disease we believe that OsteoMiR™ may have the potential to stop the progression of the disease allowing the body’s natural regenerative processes to repair the damaged disc, restoring function and reducing pain. OsteoMiR™ will be injected directly into the vertebral space, as per current medical practice for the administration of steroids and analgesics, meaning that no change of current clinical practice is required.  

[1] Duthey, 2013 Update on 2004 Background Paper, BP 6.24 Low back pain