Meniscal Repair and Regeneration
Grant Award Details
Grant Type:
Grant Number:
DISC2-13136
Investigator(s):
Disease Focus:
Human Stem Cell Use:
Award Value:
$1,361,775
Status:
Active
Grant Application Details
Application Title:
Meniscal Repair and Regeneration
Public Abstract:
Research Objective
Stem cells are seeded into fibers spun out of collagen to fabricate tissue that resembles the knee meniscus
Impact
Meniscal tears are very common but do not heal. The treatment is removal of the torn tissue, which leads to osteoarthritis. If successful, replacing the tissue will prevent osteoarthritis.
Major Proposed Activities
Stem cells are seeded into fibers spun out of collagen to fabricate tissue that resembles the knee meniscus
Impact
Meniscal tears are very common but do not heal. The treatment is removal of the torn tissue, which leads to osteoarthritis. If successful, replacing the tissue will prevent osteoarthritis.
Major Proposed Activities
- Establish the identity and purity of the stem cells
- Show proof of tissue regeneration in laboratory experiments
- Show proof of meniscus regeneration in live animals
- Conduct INTERACT meeting with the FDA to discuss the preclinical studies needed before clinical trials
Statement of Benefit to California:
Annually, over 100,000 Californians sustain meniscal injuries, the majority of which result in surgery for removal of damaged tissue. These injuries accelerate the early development of osteoarthritis, for which there is no effective treatment, other than total joint replacement, which is a major operation. There are significant socioeconomic benefits to preventing disabling osteoarthritis. The reductions in healthcare costs are also likely to be significant.