Transdiscal administration of high affinity anti-MMP inhibitors

Abstract

The present invention relates to injecting a high affinity antagonist of MMPs into a diseased intervertebral disc.

1 . A formulation for treating degenerative disc disease, comprising: 
 a) a high affinity anti-matrix metalloproteinase (HAAMMP); and    b) an additional therapeutic agent selected from the group consisting of: 
 i) a growth factor, and  
 ii) viable mesenchymal stem cells.  
   
     
     
         2 . The formulation of  claim 1  wherein the additional therapeutic agent is viable mesenchymal stem cells.  
     
     
         3 . The formulation of  claim 1  wherein the additional therapeutic agent is a growth factor.  
     
     
         4 . The formulation of  claim 2  wherein the mesenchymal stem cells are autologous.  
     
     
         5 . The formulation of  claim 4  wherein the mesenchymal stem cells are provided in a concentrated form.  
     
     
         6 . The formulation of  claim 1  wherein the HAAMMP is a tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP) selected from the group consisting of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2.  
     
     
         7 . The formulation of  claim 6  wherein the HAAMMP is an anti-aggrecanase.  
     
     
         8 . A method of preventing degeneration of an intervertebral disc in a human individual, comprising: 
 a) determining a genetic profile of the individual;    b) comparing the profile of the individual against a pre-determined genetic profile level of at-risk humans;    c) determining that the individual is an at-risk patient; and    d) injecting a high affinity antagonist of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) into a disc of the individual.