A new study sponsored by VIVEX Biologics, Inc. has shown promising results for patients suffering from chronic lumbar discogenic pain. The treatment involves a single injection of VIA Disc NP, a product made from donor disc tissue, into the affected spinal discs.
According to the findings, this minimally invasive approach significantly reduced pain and improved function over a 12-month period, offering hope for those who have not responded to traditional therapies.
Chronic lumbar discogenic pain is a common but challenging condition to manage. It is caused by the gradual breakdown of the intervertebral discs in the spine.
These discs are made up of a gel-like substance called the nucleus pulposus, which helps maintain disc height and absorb mechanical stress. When these discs degenerate, they lose their ability to cushion the spine, resulting in persistent back pain and reduced mobility.
For many patients, standard treatments like physical therapy, medications, or steroid injections do not provide lasting relief. Surgical options, such as spinal fusion or disc replacement, can be effective but come with significant risks and long recovery times. This is where minimally invasive options like VIA Disc NP could make a big difference.
The study, titled “Supplemental Nucleus Pulposus Allograft in Patients with Lumbar Discogenic Pain: Results of a Prospective Feasibility Study,” was published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. It followed 28 adults with chronic lumbar discogenic pain that did not improve with conventional treatments. Of those, 22 completed the 12-month follow-up.
The procedure involved a single injection of 100 mg of VIA Disc NP, which is a powdered form of cadaveric disc tissue mixed with saline. The product was injected into the affected lumbar discs (L1-S1) using a spinal needle, guided by fluoroscopy to ensure precise delivery. The patients were able to go home the same day after the procedure.
The results were impressive. Over 12 months, participants reported a 43% reduction in back pain severity. On the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), which measures pain from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain), average pain scores dropped from 7.1 at the start to 3.8 after one year.
Remarkably, 64% of participants experienced at least a 30% reduction in pain, and 55% saw their pain drop by half or more.
Nearly 60% of the patients reported pain levels of 3 or less after 12 months, reaching what is known as the “Patient Acceptable Symptom State” (PASS). This means that for the majority of participants, the pain was considered manageable and did not significantly interfere with daily life.
The study also looked at how the injection affected physical function. Using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), a standard measure for low back pain disability, researchers found that participants experienced a 50% improvement in their ability to perform daily activities.
At the beginning of the study, 82% of participants were classified as having severe or crippled impairment. By the end of the 12 months, that number had dropped to just 18%.
There were a few minor side effects, including muscle spasms, back pain, and thigh pain in three participants, all of which resolved without further treatment. One patient experienced inflammation at the injection site, but it was handled without surgery or long-term problems.
While the results are promising, the researchers noted some limitations. The study only included 28 participants and did not have a control group for comparison.
Additionally, there were no follow-up images to check if the injected discs showed physical improvements over time. Because of this, the authors recommended that larger, controlled studies be conducted to confirm the safety and long-term effectiveness of the treatment.
Still, the findings suggest that VIA Disc NP could be a game-changing option for people with chronic lumbar discogenic pain who are not candidates for surgery.
By offering relief through a single injection, this therapy could fill the gap between conservative treatments and invasive surgeries, potentially giving patients a way to manage their pain without major risks or long recovery times.
As research continues, VIA Disc NP could become a standard treatment option for chronic back pain, changing the way doctors approach this difficult condition. If larger studies confirm these results, millions of people suffering from back pain could have access to a simpler, safer way to find relief.
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The research findings can be found in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders.
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