Key findings
- Longeveron has received a Japanese patent covering potency assay methods for human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).
- Its lead MSC therapy, laromestrocel (Lomecel-B), is in a pivotal Phase 2b trial in hypoplastic left heart syndrome, with results expected in Q3 2026.
Longeveron reports that the Japan Patent Office has granted it a patent covering methods for assessing the potency of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Potency assays are a key part of developing and approving cell-based therapies, as they measure a product’s biological activity and consistency.
What the patent covers
According to Longeveron, the patent covers potency assay methods for assessing human MSCs derived from bone marrow, adipose tissue, peripheral blood, a lung, a heart, amniotic fluid, inner organs, an amniotic membrane, an umbilical cord, or a placenta, as well as MSCs differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
Japan Patent No. 2022-563984, entitled “Potency Assay,” provides Longeveron with patent rights in Japan through April 20, 2041, assuming all annuity fees are paid.
“We are extremely encouraged by our growing portfolio of international patents protecting the novelty of our cell-based therapeutic products,” said Dr. Joshua M. Hare, Executive Chairman and Chief Science Officer of Longeveron. “This issuance brings Longeveron’s global intellectual property portfolio to 33 issued patents.”
Laromestrocel studies
Longeveron’s lead investigational product is laromestrocel (Lomecel-B), a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy derived from the bone marrow of young, healthy adult donors. These MSCs have been shown to respond to sites of injury or disease and secrete bioactive factors that are immunomodulatory (affect immune activity) and regenerative.
Longeveron has previously conducted clinical trials of laromestrocel in:
- Alzheimer’s disease (Phase 1 and Phase 2)
- Aging-related frailty (Phase 1 and Phase 2)
- Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) (Phase 1)
The company is currently running a pivotal Phase 2b trial in HLHS, with results anticipated in the third quarter of 2026. The company says those data may support moving toward a Biologics License Application (BLA) with the FDA for HLHS, depending on the study results.
More information: longeveron.com
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