Three Los Angeles-based Cedars-Sinai investigators developed a method to harness stem cells to regrow tissue damaged by major trauma. The Department of Defense and National Institutes of Health awarded the researchers $8 million in grants.
Here are five things to know:
1. The method involves injecting microbubbles mixed with DNA into damaged tissues and then applying ultrasound waves to the target area. Investigators found stem cells can be activated to regrow missing tissue and heal injuries.
2. Cedars-Sinai investigators first demonstrated the treatment in a 2017 animal study. They found the approach successfully regrew new shinbones in eight weeks.
3. The team has since used the approach to heal a massive ligament tear in the knee. They published their findings in Molecular Therapy.
4. Investigators said the treatment could also help reduce pain for military personnel suffering injuries sustained while on duty.
5. Cedars-Sinai plans to work in partnership with Stanford (Calif.) University to use the $2.8 million grant from NIH over four years to build and design the next generation of ultrasound devices. The $5 million DOD grant will be used over three years to allow researchers to advance the technique for FDA approval.