In normal condition, the arteries carry blood rich in oxygen and nutrients from the heart to the rest of the body, among which are the limbs such as legs and arms. When these arteries become blocked, the tissue in the limbs do not receive enough blood or oxygen, resulting in ischaemia to the limbs. Non-atherosclerotic critical limb ischaemia (CLI) is caused by Buerger’s disease, which is also called thromboangiitis obliterans. It is a segmental inflammatory disease that affects the small and medium-sized arteries and veins in the arms and legs. The blood vessels would usually swell and proper blood flow is prevented, leading to the formation of blood clots.

Because of the distal nature of the disease and diffuse segmental involvement, there is limited therapeutic option available as vascular bypass treatment is fairly impossible. If the condition continues untreated, it may lead to amputation and in severe cases, death. As such, the promising outcome of clinical trials with Stempeucel^®, particularly in preventing limb amputation, provides the much-needed treatment alternative to avoid limb amputation caused by CLI due to Buergers disease.

In healthy individuals, the arteries transport blood rich in oxygen and nutrients from the heart to the rest of the body, including the limbs such as the legs and arms. Narrowing of these arteries over time, due to the buildup of fatty deposits called plaque, leads to ischaemia in the limbs. The condition of clogged arteries in the limb is known as peripheral arterial disease.

Intervention available for this condition is surgical revascularization via vascular bypass. However, in certain condition where vascular bypass treatment is fairly impossible, it may lead to amputation and in severe cases, death. Hence, the encouraging results of clinical trials with Stempeucel^® filled the gap of treatment needed to salvage damaged limb caused by CLI due to peripheral arterial disease.