Novel Techniques to Revolutionize the Regenerative Medicine Sector

•   February 24,2017
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Emergence of stem cell technology, innovation in surgical technologies, and rise in incidence of degenerative diseases have resulted in upsurge of the regenerative medicine industry. The expansion of market in emerging economies such as Asia-Pacific is a consequence of rapid adoption of technologically advanced treatment modalities and growth in potential of nanotechnology. A lot of research and development activities are conducted in research institutes, organizations, and universities to widen applications of regenerative medicine. They are working in collaboration to develop innovative products that would change the future of medical care. In its report on the global regenerative medicine industry, Research Beam stated that the market is estimated to reach $30,237 million by 2022, registering a CAGR of 33.1% from 2016 to 2022. Morrie Ruffin, managing director of the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM), outlined while commenting on role of regenerative medicine that it alters fundamental mechanisms of diseases and represents “a new and growing paradigm” in human health.

Scientists in the U.S. Army have tested techniques to replace burned skin of soldiers successfully using regenerative medicine. They have also tested and used methods and techniques to transplant new hands. Increase in investments from the U.S. Government played a crucial role in breakthroughs. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) invested approximately $250 million in research over the past decade to make breakthrough technologies available to injured soldiers.

Dr. Wendy Dean, medical officer for the Tissue Injury and Regenerative Medicine Project Management Office at the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity, said, “Those investments have yielded a stress-shielding surgical bandage, Embrace, to reduce scarring after surgery. The research has also enabled tremendous progress in burn care, allowing surgeons to improve recovery from severe burns with the use of novel skin replacement strategies, such as ReCell “spray-on” skin, or skin substitutes such as StrataGraft.” She added that the skin replacement methods would reduce or eliminate the need for donor sites.

In another research initiative, researchers at Duke University are studying zebra fish to determine ways to regenerate human spinal cords. The prime objective is not only to reduce pain but also to eradicate diseases. Researchers are working on finding genetic factors that produces regeneration of tissues. They have found a gene called connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), which is essential for regeneration of spinal cord in zebra fish following an injury that completely damaged the cord.

CTGF is essential for stimulation of cells known as glia. A tissue bridge is formed across the severed parts of the spinal cord, which is an early step in the process of regeneration of spinal cord. A severed spinal cord was generated by zebra fish within eight weeks. This finding also reverse their paralysis entirely. Kenneth Poss, professor of cell biology, and director of the Regeneration Next initiative at Duke University, said, “Developing techniques to treat and reverse spinal cord damage, a paralyzing and often fatal injury, is a pressing need in regenerative medicine.”