Naples, Florida-based Arthrex Inc. has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Florham Park, New Jersey-based Celularity Inc., the company which is commercializing the work of placental allograft pioneer.
Arthrex will have exclusive commercial distribution rights to “Celularity’s biomaterial products for orthopedic surgery and sports medicine.”
OTW spoke with Robert J. Hariri, M.D., Ph.D., founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Celularity about what sets Celularity’s products apart from its competitors. Dr. Hariri told OTW, in part, “Celularity’s innovative technology harnesses cells from the healthy human placenta, which has biological characteristics that are highly desirable and advantageous in building a portfolio of commercial products. This rich source of biomaterial provides a natural foundation for cells and decellularized materials that can augment wound healing and regeneration. Importantly these materials are ethically sourced and readily accessible.”
Dr. Hariri continued, “Derived from the placenta of a healthy, full-term pregnancy, Celularity has created multiple products, including a human amniotic membrane allograft that provides a protective cover and supports the body’s wound healing processes. It is an intact, natural extracellular matrix that supports the natural regeneration of damaged tissue. This covering is designed to stick to the wound surface without needing sutures and depending on the procedure, it may not be visible at all.”
Celularity is a biotechnology company creating cell therapies and biomaterial products. Per the agreement, Celularity will remain in charge of product manufacturing and supply.
OTW asked Dr. Hariri about Celularity’s goals for the remainder of 2021. Dr. Hariri informed OTW, in part, “Having discovered the placenta as nature’s stem-cell factory, Celularity is leveraging the placenta’s unique biology to develop cellular therapies that are potentially more tolerable and potent than what is currently available to patients.”
Dr. Hariri added, “In addition to our cellular therapy programs, the company is continuing to explore additional decellularized biomaterials and is conducting exciting work in the field of exosomes.”
