Patent ID: 8637081

Claim:
A method of producing and administering a cross-linking therapeutic composition, which forms a cross-linked gelatin gel as a cell matrix in a target area of a human or animal body, the method comprising the steps of: a) mixing a partially cross-linked gelatin, living cells, and transglutaminase with one another to form an aqueous injectable solution; b) injecting the solution into the target area; and c) further crosslinking the gelatin in the target area to form the cross-linked therapeutic composition in the target area; or the steps of: a) providing a partially cross-linked aqueous gelatin solution, and an aqueous transglutaminase solution in separate injectable form, wherein the gelatin solution and/or the transglutaminase solution further comprise living cells; b) injecting the gelatin solution, and the transglutaminase solution, simultaneously or consecutively into the target area; and c) further crosslinking the gelatin in the target area to form the cross-linked therapeutic composition in the target area; wherein the living cells comprise intervertebral disc cells, chondrocytes, and/or mesenchymal stem cells; wherein the target area is a nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc, and/or a meniscus; and wherein the composition is provided for treatment of intervertebral disc damage or meniscus damage.