Richmond biotech Cellf Bio LLC is set to begin human trials on an innovative fecal incontinence product after gaining clearance from the Food and Drug Administration.
Founder Dr. Khalil Bitar is a gastrointestinal researcher who conducted the majority of his work at the University of Michigan. Dr. Jaime Bohl, chief of colon and rectal surgery at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, connected with Bitar and began working to develop its BioSphincter Implant product. That led Bitar to relocate to the VA Bio+Tech Park in Richmond last year and found the company.
The company helps people who do not have a strong sphincter muscle. The product cultures cells within the patient’s body and implants them back into the colon. Cellf Bio COO Rayana Marker said about 30% of patients do not receive much help through today’s standard of care and can benefit from the company’s treatment.
She said the early research on the product has been positive, and the company is partnering…
Read the full story from the Washington Business Journal.
