Compositions for regenerating tissue that has deteriorated, and methods for using such compositions

Abstract

A composition for promoting regeneration of tissue which has degenerated in a subject as a result of a disease or disorder and a method of using the composition is provided. The composition comprises a biodegradable acellular matrix, and passaged autologous fibroblasts substantially free of immunogenic proteins, e.g., culture medium serum-derived proteins, integrated within the matrix. The method of using the composition to promote regeneration of tissue involves placing the composition on a site of degenerated tissue in a subject so that the composition promotes tissue regeneration at the site. The composition and the method of its use have applications promoting regeneration of tissue (i) that has degenerated as a result of numerous diseases or disorders or (ii) that has a defect, including, but not limited to, defects of the oral mucosa, trauma to the oral mucosa (e.g., extraction of a tooth), periodontal disease, diabetes, cutaneous ulcers, venous stasis, scars of the skin, or wrinkles of the skin. Also provided is an injectable composition comprising any type of collagen and passaged autologous fibroblasts substantially free of immunogenic proteins, e.g., culture medium serum-derived proteins, for correcting defects in skin, such as wrinkles or scars, and for augmenting tissue in the subject, particularly facial tissue.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation-in part and claims priority of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 316,245, filed May 21, 1999, which is a continuation-in-part and claims priority of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 083,618, filed May 22, 1998. U.S. application Ser. Nos. 09 / 316,245 and 09 / 083,618 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention concerns the regeneration of tissues in a subject that have degenerated as a result of a disease or disorder in the subject. More particularly, the present invention concerns novel compositions for use in surgical and nonsurgical techniques that promote regeneration of tissue whose mass has been diminished due to a disease or disorder in a subject, correct defects in the skin of subjects, or augment tissue in subjects. Also disclosed is the use of a novel composition in conjunction with a biodegradable acellular matrix for ameliorating defects in the tissues, and methods for using the n...