Grant Award Details

Meniscal Repair and Regeneration
Grant Type: 
Grant Number: 
DISC2-13136
Project Objective: 
  • The overall objective of this project is a multi-disciplinary integration of stem cell differentiation, meniscal cell biology, nanoengineering, biomimetic scaffold fabrication, and tissue engineering to regenerate lost meniscal tissue.
Investigator: 
Name: 
Institution: 
Type: 
PI
Disease Focus: 
Bone or Cartilage Disease
Cartilage defect
Osteoarthritis
Human Stem Cell Use: 
Embryonic Stem Cell
Award Value: 
$1,361,775
Status: 
Active

Grant Application Details

Application Title: 
  • Meniscal Repair and Regeneration
Public Abstract: 

Research Objective

Stem cells are seeded into fibers spun out of collagen to fabricate tissue that resembles the knee meniscus

Impact

Meniscal tears are very common but do not heal. The treatment is removal of the torn tissue, which leads to osteoarthritis. If successful, replacing the tissue will prevent osteoarthritis.

Major Proposed Activities

  • Establish the identity and purity of the stem cells
  • Show proof of tissue regeneration in laboratory experiments
  • Show proof of meniscus regeneration in live animals
  • Conduct INTERACT meeting with the FDA to discuss the preclinical studies needed before clinical trials
Statement of Benefit to California: 

Annually, over 100,000 Californians sustain meniscal injuries, the majority of which result in surgery for removal of damaged tissue. These injuries accelerate the early development of osteoarthritis, for which there is no effective treatment, other than total joint replacement, which is a major operation. There are significant socioeconomic benefits to preventing disabling osteoarthritis. The reductions in healthcare costs are also likely to be significant.

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