Patent Evaluation: B-FGF for increasing bone marrow stromal cells in culture

Summary

Novelty: The use of fibroblast growth factors (FGF) to stimulate the production of bone marrow stromal and progenitor cells is claimed. In vitro and in vivo activity are demonstrated for FGF. FGF is potentially useful in autologous and allogenic bone marrow transplantation. The invention is also potentially useful in the treatment of haematopoietic disorders. The administration of FGF in the treatment of aplastic conditions to stimulate endogenous cytokines, such as colony stimulating factors and interleukins, is also claimed.

Biology: The effect of basic FGF on human bone marrow stromal cells obtained from healthy volunteers is described. The assay involves seeding Buffy cells at a concentration of 3 × 10⁶/ml in stromal medium. A five-fold increase in cell density occurs after five weeks in cells cultured in the presence of 20 ng/ml b-FGF; 0.2 ng/ml approximately doubles the cell density. Culturing stromal cells continuously in the presence of b-FGF considerably delays senescence. Stromal cells normally have a limited proliferative potential and die of age after approximately two generations; cells cultured continuously in the presence of b-FGF survive for approximately twenty-six generations.

Chemistry: Recombinant fibroblast growth factors are commercially available.