Boston-MA- Gel4Med, an innovative biomaterials company, is thrilled to announce a three-year $1.75M collaborative grant awarded by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP)/Department of Defense (DoD) to evaluate new therapeutic approaches with the potential to revolutionize the treatment landscape in spinal cord injury (SCI).
Boston-MA- Gel4Med, an innovative biomaterials company, is thrilled to announce a three-year $1.75M collaborative grant awarded by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP)/Department of Defense (DoD) to evaluate new therapeutic approaches with the potential to revolutionize the treatment landscape in spinal cord injury (SCI). The research will focus on a new method of cell therapy, using Gel4Med’s proprietary Smart Materials Platform™ to deliver Schwann cells, a type of nerve cell, to the injury site on spinal cords. This innovative approach is expected to make significant strides in the treatment of SCI, an area that has seen limited advancement despite the profound need. The research will be led by principal investigator, Damien Pearse, PhD, a nationally recognized scholar in the field of spinal cord injury, at the University of Miami/Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and co-investigator, Manav Mehta, PhD (Gel4Med).
This funding provided by the CDMRP/DoD will enable Gel4Med and the University of Miami to accelerate their research efforts, further validating the viability, safety, and efficacy of this promising therapeutic approach. The three-year engagement will build off Dr. Pearse’s current research and seek to demonstrate the utility of Gel4Med’s Smart Materials Platform (SMP)TM as an innovative strategy to deliver Schwann Cells to the lesion sites in spinal cord injury.
Currently, effective methods for the local delivery, retention, and protection of therapeutic cells at spinal cord injury sites are lacking. Gel4Med’s groundbreaking work offers a significant advancement in this area. Utilizing our cutting-edge polypeptide material science platform, we have developed an innovative method for cell encapsulation, controlled delivery, and protection against the harsh inflammatory environment characteristic of SCI sites. This strategy combines mimicking native extra-cellular matrix like materials, finely tuned for enhancing cell viability, proliferation, and migration, with the advantageous shear thinning properties for localized delivery to the injury site with minimal invasiveness. Our innovative approach has shown promising therapeutic potential in preclinical models, indicating a significant step forward in the treatment of SCI.
The two organizations will gather essential data to support advancement towards clinical trials with the goal of translating the research findings into tangible therapies for spinal cord injury patients. “We are honored and grateful to receive the grant from the CDMRP/DoD, which reflects the DoD’s confidence in our technology and vision,” said Dr. Manav Mehta, PhD, CEO of Gel4Med, Inc. “We are excited to work with Dr. Pearse and his team at the Miami Project, who are world-renowned experts in spinal cord injury research. Together, we aim to create a paradigm shift in SCI treatment and transform the quality of life for millions of people living with this condition around the globe.”
Dr. Pearse, who is the Scientific Director of the Miami Project and a Professor of Neurological Surgery and Neurology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, said: “We are delighted to partner with Gel4Med on this important project. Their Smart Materials Platform™ as a cell delivery system is a promising intervention that could enhance the healing and recovery of SCI patients. We look forward to testing and validating their technology in our facilities and translating our findings into clinical applications.”
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are complex neurotraumatic wounds affecting military service members, their families, veterans, and the general population. These are serious injuries often resulting in profound and life-altering consequences including partial and/or complete paralysis with long-term consequences requiring lifelong care. It is estimated that about 300,000 individuals in the U.S. are living with a SCI, and this number continues to grow as over 17,000 new cases occur in the U.S. each year[1]. Despite advances in medical science, effective treatments to restore function and mobility for those afflicted have remained elusive. The Miami Project/ University of Miami has been at the forefront of groundbreaking SCI research and is partnering with Gel4Med with the hopes of further advancing the field.
About Gel4Med:
Originating from Harvard University, Gel4Med stands at the forefront of biomaterials science. Leveraging its Smart Materials Platform™, the company rapidly propels cutting-edge products through its development pipeline. Their groundbreaking platform offers unparalleled material customization capabilities, ushering in new horizons for therapeutic biomaterials across regenerative medicine, surgery, and both cell and drug delivery domains. Gel4Med’s endeavors are supported by eminent backers, including Peter Thiel’s Breakout Ventures, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Department of Defense (DoD), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC), and Mass Ventures.
If you are interested in partnering with the Gel4Med for research and/or commercial interests, please get in touch with Rebecca Salamone at rebecca.salamone@gelformed.com.
About the Miami Project:
The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, a Center of Excellence at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, is the world’s most comprehensive spinal cord injury research center. The Miami Project’s international team of more than 175 scientists, researchers, clinicians, and support staff is dedicated to improving the quality of life and, ultimately, finding a cure for paralysis. Miami Project researchers are currently conducting clinical studies and trials in spinal cord injury, including testing neuroprotective strategies, cellular therapies using Schwann cell and stem cell transplantation and advanced rehabilitation and neuromodulation approaches including the use of brain machine interface technologies.
Forward Looking Statements:
Statements made in this press release that look forward in time or that express beliefs, expectations or hopes regarding future occurrences or anticipated outcomes are forward-looking statements. A number of risks and uncertainties such as risks associated with product development and commercialization efforts, expected timing or results of any clinical trials, ultimate clinical outcome and perceived or actual advantages of the Company’s products, market and physician acceptance of the products, intellectual property protection, and competitive offerings could cause actual events to adversely differ from the expectations indicated in these forward-looking statements.