ThermoGenesis Corp. (NASDAQ: KOOL), a leading supplier of innovative products and services that process and store adult stem cells, said it has received FDA clearance of its 510(k) submission for the use of its Res-Q™ 60 (Res-Q) System technology to be used for the safe and rapid preparation of autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) from a small sample of blood at the patient's point-of-care. The PRP is mixed with autograft and/or allograft bone prior to application to a bony defect for improving handling characteristics.

The Res-Q 60 technology is a point-of-care platform designed for the preparation of cell concentrates. Our first product, Res-Q 60 BMC is currently used to concentrate stem cells from bone marrow aspirate. A slightly modified version has been designed for use with peripheral blood in the preparation of a PRP concentrate. PRP is a rich source of growth factors which has been shown to enhance healing.

"This represents a major regulatory milestone for the Company and a key element of our product line extension strategy. The Res-Q technology is well suited for the preparation of PRP and literature has demonstrated that there is a wide range of potential applications for PRP including orthopedic and cardiovascular indications among others. Our market research suggests that this could be an important market opportunity for the Company," said J. Melville Engle, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ThermoGenesis.

"We currently have one Res-Q PRP distribution agreement in place and, over the past several months, have had encouraging discussions with other potential distribution partners for Res-Q in the PRP market. With this FDA clearance, we hope to complete one or more additional agreements in the coming months and begin commercial sales later this year," he added.

In October 2010, the Company announced a license and distribution agreement for Res-Q with BioParadox, Inc., a newly-formed regenerative medicine company focusing on point-of-care cardiovascular therapies. Under the agreement, ThermoGenesis has granted BioParadox exclusive worldwide rights for use of Res-Q technology to automate the preparation of PRP from peripheral blood for use in cardiovascular therapy, subject to BioParadox meeting appropriate regulatory approval for use, including initiation and completion of clinical trials.

Source: ThermoGenesis Corp