A Nonsurgical Method for Repairing Damaged Cartilage In the Knee (BIDMC 838)

Category:    Therapeutics - Methods

KeyWords:  Orthopedics;  Tissue Engineering;  Wound Healing;  

BIDMC ID:    838

Abstract:

Dr. Ernest Terwilliger and Dr. Magali Cucchiarini have developed a new method of repairing damaged cartilage tissue without the use of invasive surgery. Their novel method utilizes viral delivery of genes encoding growth factors that enable regeneration and repair of damaged cartilage tissue in the knee. In a rabbit animal model of cartilage damage Drs. Terwilliger and Cucchiarini have shown that delivery of a particular class of viral vectors encoding specific growth factors to the injured knee greatly promotes the cartilage regeneration and repair process. BIDMC is seeking a corporate partner to develop and commercialize the technology, which is available for licensing on an exclusive basis. In particular, Dr. Terwilliger is seeking support for additional preclinical experiments, potentially including large animal mammalian models, and eventually human clinical trials.

Inventor:   Dr. Ernest Terwilliger and Dr. Magali Cucchiarini

Commercial Opportunity:

Annually, more than 2 million Americans injure cartilage in their knees. There is a range of existing treatment options from arthroscopy and microfracture to osteochondral implant and autologous cell implant available to patients to repair damaged cartilage. In each of these cases, treatment requires invasive surgery and a substantial amount of rehabilitation. From a commercial perspective, a non-invasive treatment option such as the novel method developed by Drs. Terwilliger and Cucchiarini would provide patients with a significant improvement over existing therapies and would likely become a front line therapy for repairing damaged cartilage.

Competitive Advantages:

Arthroscopy, microfracture, osteochondral implant, autologous cell implant and total knee replacement to repair damaged cartilage require invasive surgical procedures. This novel method developed by Drs. Terwilliger and Cucchiarini requires a simple injection at the site of injury which would be considerably more desirable for the patient than invasive surgery.

Related Publications:

Manuscript submitted.

State of Development:

Proof of concept in animal models.

Related Technology URL:

http://research.bidmc.harvard.edu/research/ResearchPIInfo.ASP?Submit=Display&PersonID=1437

Patent Status:

Provisional US patent application pending.

TVO Contact Info:
     Stanley C Mah
     Senior Associate TVO
     smah@bidmc.harvard.edu
     Phone: 617-667-0573   Fax: 617-667-0646

     Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
     Technology Ventures Office  Room: BR-0200
     330 Brookline Avenue
     Boston, MA 02215