Stem Cell Treatment for Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Another application for stem cells is their usefulness in treating diabetic foot ulcers which are the primary cause of hospital admissions for diabetics.  In patients with poor healing of diabetic foot ulcers lower limb amputation may be required.  However, in this novel treatment the stem cells themselves are not surgically removed from bone marrow, or transplanted from a donor source, they are instead apparently activated by an angiotensin analog DSC127 as a topical drug delivered in cream form.


Edward J. Quilty, of Derma Sciences Inc. said that “It appears that DSC127 directs MSCs [mesenchymal stem cells] to the injury site, mobilizing them to help repair wounded or burned skin, accelerate healing and reduce scar formation”. The drug has potential uses for ulcers elsewhere in the body, such as the leg veins, arteries, pressure sores, and for burns.  Animal studies show promising results and a clinical trial for diabetic foot ulcer treatment using the drug in humans has just been completed with results due for publication in April 2011.