FibroBiologics Presents Preclinical Data on Fibroblast Spheroid-Derived Chondrocyte Spheroids for Degenerative Disc Disease at the North American Spine Society 2026 Annual Meeting

A single-injection rabbit study found statistically significant disc-height improvements for all three fibroblast-based treatments versus controls.

Rhea-AI Summary

FibroBiologics (FBLG) presented preclinical results showing its fibroblast-derived cartilage-forming cell spheroids preserved disc height in a rabbit model of degenerative disc disease.

The study compared a single injection of conventionally cultured fibroblasts, fibroblast spheroids or fibroblast spheroid-derived chondrocyte (FSdC) spheroids with a vehicle control over 12 weeks. All three treatments produced statistically significant improvements in normalized disc height index, a measure of disc height, versus controls. FSdC spheroids maintained significantly higher values than the other treatments throughout the study. At 12 weeks, the index was 80.7% versus 71.8% in controls (p<0.05), with treatment effects consistent across the lumbar levels studied. Results were presented at the North American Spine Society annual meeting on October 15, 2026.

Positive

• Minor pointFSdC spheroids maintained significantly higher disc height index than other treatments throughout the 12-week rabbit study.
• Minor pointFSdC disc height index reached 80.7% versus 71.8% in controls at 12 weeks (p<0.05).
• Minor pointConventionally cultured fibroblasts improved disc height index versus controls, with p<0.05 in mixed-model analysis.
• Minor pointFibroblast spheroids improved disc height index versus controls, with p<0.05 in mixed-model analysis.
• Minor pointTreatment effects were consistent across the lumbar levels studied.
• Minor pointFSdC cartilage-forming differentiation was confirmed by positive staining and increased cartilage-associated gene expression.

Negative

• None.

Key Figures

Disc height index: 80.7% vs. 71.8% FSdC spheroid significance: p<0.01 Study duration: 12 weeks

Disc height index

80.7% vs. 71.8%

FSdC spheroids vs. controls at 12 weeks; normalized %DHI

FSdC spheroid significance

p<0.01

Mixed-model analysis of disc-height improvement

Study duration

12 weeks

Rabbit model of degenerative disc disease

Key Terms

allogeneic, intervertebral disc degeneration, mri, chondrogenic differentiation

4 terms

allogeneic medical

"three approaches using allogeneic human dermal fibroblasts"

Allogeneic describes a process or material involving different individuals of the same species, such as cells, tissues, or organs donated from one person to another. It is important to investors because products or treatments based on allogeneic sources can enable scalable, off-the-shelf solutions, potentially reducing costs and increasing accessibility in healthcare and biotech industries.

intervertebral disc degeneration medical

"Using an established model of intervertebral disc degeneration"

Progressive deterioration of the soft, cushion-like discs that sit between adjacent vertebrae in the spine, caused by loss of water content, weakening of the disc’s outer fibrous ring (annulus fibrosus), and breakdown of internal disc material (nucleus pulposus). The process reduces disc height and elasticity and can lead to bulging or herniation, increased mechanical stress on adjacent structures, and possible compression or irritation of spinal nerves, producing pain or neurological symptoms.

mri medical

"followed by MRI and tissue analysis"

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical scan that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of the body, like a high-resolution camera for tissues and organs. Investors care because MRI drives demand for imaging machines, hospital services, diagnostics and can be central to clinical trial results and regulatory decisions—changes in MRI use or technology can affect revenue, capital spending and reimbursement in healthcare and medical device markets.

chondrogenic differentiation medical

"Chondrogenic differentiation of the FSdC spheroids was confirmed"

The process by which stem cells or progenitor cells develop into chondrocytes, the specialized cells that make cartilage. It involves cellular signals and a supporting matrix that turn on cartilage-specific genes and production of proteins such as type II collagen and proteoglycans; in practice it is measured by appearance of those markers and by formation of cartilage-like tissue, and outcomes can differ depending on the cell source, growth factors, scaffold materials, and whether the testing is done in lab dishes or in living tissue.

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FSdC Spheroids Preserved Disc Height Better Than Any Other Fibroblast-Based Approach Tested in a 12-Week Rabbit Model of Degenerative Disc Disease

HOUSTON, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- FibroBiologics, Inc. (Nasdaq: FBLG) ("FibroBiologics" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company with 270+ patents issued and pending with a focus on the development of therapeutics and potential cures for chronic diseases using fibroblasts and fibroblast-derived materials, today announced that Nikolay Bazhanov, M.D., Ph.D. presented preclinical data on the Company's fibroblast spheroid-derived chondrocyte (FSdC) spheroids for degenerative disc disease (DDD) at the North American Spine Society (NASS) 2026 Annual Meeting, taking place October 14-17 in San Antonio.

Oral Presentation details:

• Title: Efficacy of fibroblast spheroid-derived chondrocyte spheroids in a rabbit model of degenerative disc disease (Abstract #152)
• Presenter: Nikolay Bazhanov, M.D., Ph.D.
• Date and time: Thursday, October 15, 2026, 3:15 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. [CT]
• Location: Stars at Night Ballroom B2/B3

The preclinical study evaluated three approaches using allogeneic human dermal fibroblasts: conventionally cultured (2D) fibroblasts, three-dimensional (3D) fibroblast spheroids, and fibroblast spheroid-derived chondrocytes (FSdC). Using an established model of intervertebral disc degeneration, researchers assessed the effects of a single injection of each cell preparation compared with a control. Treatment outcomes were monitored over 12 weeks through periodic X-ray imaging, followed by MRI and tissue analysis to evaluate changes in disc structure and degeneration.

Key findings include:

• Chondrogenic differentiation of the FSdC spheroids was confirmed by positive Alcian blue staining and upregulation of the cartilage-associated genes TGFβ1, COMP, SOX9, and ACAN;
• All three fibroblast-treated groups had higher disc heights than vehicle controls, measured by normalized percent disc height index (%DHI). In mixed-model analysis, the improvements were statistically significant for 2D fibroblasts (p<0.05), fibroblast spheroids (p<0.05), and FSdC spheroids (p<0.01);
• Throughout the 12-week study, the FSdC spheroid group kept significantly higher %DHI values than the other treatment groups;
• At 12 weeks, %DHI was 80.7% in the FSdC spheroid group versus 71.8% in controls (p<0.05); and
• The treatment effects were consistent across the lumbar levels studied.

"Degenerative disc disease is driven by a loss of the cells and extracellular matrix that keep the disc functional, and our fibroblast spheroid platform is designed to address that biology directly," said Hamid Khoja, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of FibroBiologics. "The data presented at NASS show key findings such as matrix remodeling and reduced inflammation in degenerated discs, and we look forward to discussing these findings with the spine community as we continue advancing our programs."

"For people living with degenerative disc disease, treatment today largely comes down to managing pain or undergoing surgery, and neither approach is designed to restore the cells the disc has lost," said Nikolay Bazhanov, M.D., Ph.D., and the presenter on this study. "FSdC spheroids are designed to potentially do exactly that, by delivering allogeneic cartilage-forming cells directly into the damaged disc. In this study, FSdCs preserved disc height better than any other approach we tested, and that advantage held for the full 12 weeks."

For more information, please visit FibroBiologics' website, email FibroBiologics at info@fibrobiologics.com or follow FibroBiologics on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook or X.

About FibroBiologics

Based in Houston, FibroBiologics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a pipeline of treatments and seeking potential cures for chronic diseases using fibroblast cells and fibroblast-derived materials. FibroBiologics holds 270+ US and internationally issued patents/patents pending across various clinical pathways, including wound healing, multiple sclerosis, disc degeneration, psoriasis, orthopedics, human longevity, and cancer. FibroBiologics represents the next generation of medical advancement in cell therapy and tissue regeneration. For more information, visit www.FibroBiologics.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include information concerning the potential of FSdC spheroids to restore cells the disc has lost, the design of the Company's fibroblast spheroid platform to address the loss of the cells and extracellular matrix that keep the disc functional, potential indications for FibroBiologics' programs, FibroBiologics' research and development programs, and the potential clinical benefits of fibroblasts and fibroblast-derived materials. These forward-looking statements are based on FibroBiologics' management's current expectations, estimates, projections and beliefs, as well as a number of assumptions concerning future events. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside FibroBiologics' management's control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including those set forth under the caption "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in FibroBiologics' annual, quarterly and current reports (i.e., Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K) as filed or furnished with the SEC and any subsequent public filings. Copies are available on the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. These risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors include, but are not limited to: (a) risks related to FibroBiologics' liquidity and its ability to maintain capital resources sufficient to conduct its business; (b) expectations regarding the initiation, progress and expected results of FibroBiologics' R&D efforts and preclinical studies; (c) the unpredictable relationship between R&D and preclinical results and clinical study results; and (d) the ability of FibroBiologics to successfully prosecute its patent applications. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and FibroBiologics assumes no obligation and, except as required by law, does not intend to update, or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. FibroBiologics gives no assurance that it will achieve its expectations.

General Inquiries:
info@fibrobiologics.com

Investor Relations:
Nic Johnson
Russo Partners
(212) 845-4242
fibrobiologicsIR@russopr.com

Media Contact:
Liz Phillips
Russo Partners
(347) 956-7697
Elizabeth.phillips@russopartnersllc.com

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SOURCE FibroBiologics, Inc.

FAQ

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What did FibroBiologics' FSdC spheroids show in the degenerative disc disease study?

FSdC spheroids preserved disc height better than the other fibroblast-based treatments tested throughout a 12-week rabbit study. At 12 weeks, normalized disc height index was 80.7% with FSdC spheroids versus 71.8% in vehicle controls (p<0.05).

How did FibroBiologics assess disc structure and confirm cartilage-forming differentiation?

Researchers monitored disc changes with periodic X-rays, followed by MRI and tissue analysis. Cartilage-forming differentiation of FSdC spheroids was confirmed through positive Alcian blue staining and increased expression of the cartilage-associated genes TGFβ1, COMP, SOX9 and ACAN.