Purdue University has developed highly advanced technology projected to improve tissue restoration outcomes for breast cancer patients and others who suffer traumatic disease or injury.
University researchers worked with GeniPhys, a Purdue startup focused on commercializing collagen polymer technology, and Carla Fisher of Indiana University School of Medicine to produce operational regenerative tissue filler.
The “in situ scaffold-forming collagen” can be used as a filler to treat “soft tissue defects and videos.” Preclinical trials already show that the material can assist in creating better tissue restoration outcomes at an accelerated pace.
“It would assist in maintaining the quality of life and emotional well-being of millions of breast cancer survivors each year worldwide,” said Purdue’s Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Professor Sherry Harbin.
“Such an approach may also benefit other patient populations in need of soft tissue restoration or reconstruction, including children with congenital defects, individuals with difficult-to-heal skin ulcers, [and] individuals suffering from traumatic injuries,” she added.
When tested, the tissue filler was found to restore breast shape and consistency. It was also compatible with new breast tissue being formed and retarded potentially painful wound and scar formation.
“This tissue filler represents the first planned medical product developed using our innovative collagen polymer technology,” Harbin said. She explained that the collagen polymer aids the “custom fabrication of a broad range of collagen materials” needed for “tissue restoration, therapeutic cell and drug delivery, or enhancement of tissue-implantable devices interfaces.”
Purdue’s Medical Advances
Other researchers from the university are also hard at work developing new and innovative technologies in the field of medicine.
A team from the university and Indiana University School of Medicine “tissue-engineered component tissue replacements” to reconstruct heavily damaged larynxes in patients suffering from such injuries.
Meanwhile, OYE Therapeutics, a company affiliated with Purdue, formed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. The partnership is geared to lessening morbidity and mortality from battlefield injuries by improving the effectiveness of the drug OYE-002.