We plan to revolutionize the treatment of Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of the hip, using our patented stem cell therapy, which allows patients to keep their own hip joint. This method of treatment avoids long-term debilitating treatments and multiple surgeries, and allows patients to have a more active life and stay in the workforce. We’re already using this treatment in Ukraine with great success.
AVN of the hip is a disorder that causes bone tissue in the femoral head to break down. In the early stages the patient suffers pain, and at later stages may completely lose the ability to walk. Painkillers, electrical stimulation, grafts and osteotomies are all used to treat AVN, but today there is no completely successful treatment. Eventually the femoral head collapses, and surgical intervention with a total joint implant and prosthetic replaces the entire femoral head and acetabular joint. After total joint replacement surgery, each patient is considered disabled; over time, they may also come to need a second replacement surgery.
We have developed a revolutionary stem cell technology to treat AVN of the hip. We take adult stem cells from our patients with minimal discomfort, replicate them in the laboratory, remove the diseased section of the femoral head, inject the cells back into the body, and they do the job of growing new bone tissue.
Read our technology paper for more details.
“The work by the Ukrainian team is remarkable, and really gives us a leg up in the FDA approval process. Because of the clinical work they’ve already done, we’re in a different position from somebody who just came up with an idea in the U.S. and is starting from scratch. We have a better idea about how to approach the U.S. clinical trials, which translates into a better chance of success.”
— Dr. Duran Yetkinler, ilaya’s partner in the U.S. venture
Duran N.Yetkinler MD, Ph.D Orthopedic surgeon CEO of ilaya USA
Highly respected orthopedic surgeon and business leader Heading all business development activities for ilaya USA Accomplished strategic scientist with intimate knowledge of bone replacement technologies Led successful turnaround effort and long-term growth at Skeletal Kinetics that resulted in sale at 10x multiple of revenue In addition to Skeletal Kinetics, he has held management positions at Arthrocare Corp. and Norian Corp.
Roman Vasyliev Ph.D Biologist Biotechnologist Co-author of ilaya patent
Accomplished biologist with strong knowledge of regenerative medicine, including: Stem cell isolation and culturing Engineered tissue product development and fabrication Stem cell-based biomedical products manufacturing Regenerative medical approaches and applications for clinical use of stem cell-based biomedical products Experimental modeling of human pathologies in animals Mesenchymal stromal / stem cell (MSCs) biology studies and potential clinical application studies Membership in multiple leading scientific communities dedicated to stem cell technology, including the Institute of Genetic and Regenerative Medicine of Ukraine’s National Academy of Medical Sciences
Volodymyr Oksymets MD, Ph.D Orthopedic and trauma surgeon Co-author of ilaya patent
Highly accomplished specialist with 25 years of clinical experience; more than 100 implants performed Clinical specialty in osteosynthesis in traumatology and orthopedics; use of cell technologies for treating the effects of limb injuries Author of original technology for transplantation of autologous mesenchymal stem / stromal cells for treatment of consequences of the extremities of: War wounds Non-union fractures Diaphyseal defects and joint parts of limbs Avascular necrosis of the femoral head and talus, specifically Avascular necrosis, generally Co-author of seven patents
Dmytro Zubov Ph.D Biologist Biotechnologist Co-author of ilaya patent
Leading scientific employee of immunology laboratory of Institute of Genetic and Regenerative Medicine of Ukraine’s National Academy of Medical Sciences Excellent knowledge and understanding of regenerative medicine, including: Stem cell culturing Tissue engineered equivalents fabrication Cell-based biomedical products manufacturing Experimental modeling studies Supervision of tissue manufacturing processes Research activities (stem cells and regenerative technologies) Co-author of sixteen patents
Jennifer Neill | Director, Corporate Finance Triton Advisory Services
Seasoned investment banking executive with 22 years of transactional leadership Leading all capital raising activity for ilaya USA Accomplished leader with over $4.5B in deal value across multiple types of engagements (capital raising/ buy-side/sell side/recapitalizations/leveraged buy-outs/ restructuring)
