A new generation of injectable implants based on Cell-Assembled extracellular Matrix (CAM)

forthcoming

Injectable implants are widely used to treat numerous medical conditions, such as stress urinary incontinence, which affects 1 in 5 women. They also represent a large fraction of aesthetic procedures (e.g., wrinkle correction). The efficacy of current products is hampered by the fact that they create a chronic inflammatory response called the Foreign Body Reaction (FBR). As a result, implants have limited durability, requiring repeated procedures, and are associated with complications such as chronic pain and tissue erosion. We propose a new paradigm that avoids the FBR by providing a tissue-engineered injectable implant that is completely biological and human. This non-living product will support the creation of an actual living tissue that will be long-lasting without chronic inflammation. Our strategy is based on a unique material described in the project. The potential of this implants will be demonstrated through two work packages described in the project. Overall, this PoC will increase the technology readiness level of our product from 1-2 to 3-4 work packages. These outcomes will justify optimizing production methods, expanding in vivo analysis, and will support a commercial endeavor targeting multiple clinical applications.