A peer-reviewed study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of REMaST® in spinal cord repair and neuronal regeneration
Hemera is pleased to announce the online preprint publication of the manuscript “Tumor-associated macrophages enhance peripheral nerve tumor infiltration and spinal cord repair”, reporting the preclinical discoveries underlying the regenerative potential of REMaST. The study was published in Immunity by Cell Press on January 26th, 2026..
Immunity is one of the most prestigious journals in the field of immunology and biomedical research, widely recognized for publishing landmark studies that advance scientific knowledge and translational medicine.
The peer-reviewed study presents rigorous preclinical evidence validating the scientific foundation of REMaST, confirming its robustness and translational relevance as an advanced cellular therapy for spinal cord injury. By leveraging the innovative functions of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), the research demonstrates how REMaST promotes neuronal survival, axonal regeneration, and functional recovery in preclinical models.
Guido Fumagalli, President, Co-Founder, and Chief Medical Officer of Hemera, commented:
“The discoveries reported in this publication challenge two long-standing dogmas: that neural tissue damage is irreparable, and that stem cells are the only option for degenerative brain diseases. REMaST opens new therapeutic perspectives.”
On the paradigm shift emerging from the study, Massimo Locati, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Hemera, added:
“This discovery reveals an unexpected role of macrophages. For decades, these cells have been known for their function in defending against infectious agents and regulating immune responses, whereas this study provides clear experimental evidence of their ability to interact with surrounding tissues and enhance their regenerative capacity. We uncovered this regenerative support function by studying macrophages abundantly present within tumors, and we are now committed to leveraging it to improve the regenerative potential of organs, particularly those with limited spontaneous repair capacity, such as the central nervous system. Hemera has identified and patented a macrophage culture and differentiation system that enhances these functions and is currently developing the protocols required to produce a cell type with promising potential in the field of regenerative medicine.”
Addressing the translational implications and the pathway toward clinical development, Francesco Bifari, Co-Founder of Hemera and Head of REMaST® Therapy Development, stated:
“Hemera aims to bring knowledge generated through preclinical research to the patient’s bedside. In accordance with EMA guidelines, we are developing the REMaST® product—regenerative macrophages—for clinical use in spinal cord injury trials.”
With regard to the platform and its potential applications in regenerative medicine, Ilaria Decimo, Co-Founder of Hemera and Director of Research and Development, added:
“We have demonstrated that these cells (REMaST®) are effective and safe for the treatment of spinal cord injuries. We are now working to translate this approach into human applications and to develop a regenerative platform capable of acting across multiple pathological contexts, from the central nervous system to other tissues.”
Finally, from a long-term strategic perspective focused on clinical advancement, Cristiana Vignoli, CEO of Hemera, concluded by highlighting that:
“Recognition by the international scientific community of the therapeutic potential of our REMaST® platform in tissue regeneration, such as injured nervous tissue, represents a key milestone in Hemera’s strategy toward the clinical development of therapeutic options for patients who currently have no effective treatments.”