International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy Clinical Translation Committee recommendations on mesenchymal stromal cells in graft-versus-host disease: easy manufacturing is faced with standardizing and commercialization challenges.

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been used in multiple clinical trials for steroid-refractory moderate-severe (grade II-IV) acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) across the world over the last two decades. Despite very promising results in a variety of trials, it failed to get widespread approval by regulatory agencies such as the U.S.

Cell and gene therapy investment: evolution and future outlook on investor perspectives.

Background Aims: To better understand the attitudes and behaviors of investors involved in funding cell and gene therapy (CGT) businesses, the Business Development and Finance) subcommittee of International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy, in collaboration with Truist Securities, conducted a broad survey of the investment community in late 2021.

Methods: This survey follows a similar study that this group executed in 2018, and the longitudinal comparisons between the two time periods provide insights into how investor behavior in the CGT field has evolved.

Results: The vast majority of investor respondents are specialist biotech investors who are primarily active in deploying capital in North America and Europe.

Patient preference and willingness to pay for knee osteoarthritis treatments.

Purpose: To review treatments for osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK) received by patients across five European countries, and to obtain patients' perceptions and willingness to pay for current treatments.

Patients And Methods: A prospective, internet-based, double-blind survey of adults with OAK was conducted in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The questionnaire included questions about diagnosis, treatment history, and perceptions of OAK treatments, followed by a discrete choice-based conjoint exercise to identify preferred attributes of OAK treatments, evaluating 14 sets of four unbranded products.

Matrix-Applied Characterized Autologous Cultured Chondrocytes Versus Microfracture: Two-Year Follow-up of a Prospective Randomized Trial.

Background: Randomized controlled trials studying the efficacy and safety of matrix-applied characterized autologous cultured chondrocytes (MACI) versus microfracture (MFX) for treating cartilage defects are limited.

Purpose: To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of MACI versus MFX in the treatment of patients with symptomatic cartilage defects of the knee.

Study Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Reduced chondrocyte viability is associated with the use of surgical marker pen ink.

Background: Sterile surgical marker pens are commonly used in cartilage repair surgery to aid in the placement of periosteal patches or collagen membranes in autologous chondrocyte implantation.

Purpose: To investigate the effects that methylene blue and crystal violet marker pen ink have on human chondrocytes when cultured on collagen membranes in vitro.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Change in Harris hip score in patients on the waiting list for total hip replacement.

Aim: To investigate the change in the Harris hip score in patients waiting for a total hip replacement, between the time of listing for operation and immediately pre-operatively.

Patients And Methods: For 167 consecutive patients listed for total hip replacement, the Harris hip score was taken both at time of listing for surgery and at pre-operative assessment 2 weeks prior to surgery.

Results: The median wait for operation in our unit was 330 days.