A Dual Cell Therapy for Wound Healing


Invention Summary:

This method is a combinatorial therapy for chronic wound treatment. Insulin creams increase wound healing but require constant reapplication. Mesenchymal stem cells release growth factors to speed up regeneration but are incompatible with topically applied insulin.  Dr. Olabisi has developed a novel therapy of coencapsulated insulin-producing cells (IPCs) and MSCs in a hydrogel dressing to expedite wound healing and decrease scar formation.

Dr. Olabisi’s coencapsulated IPCs and MSCs release growth and regenerative factors including insulin, VEGF and TGF-β1 over a 3 week period.  These coencapsulated cells increased wound closure rates in in vitro models by 100% and in vivo in diabetic mice by 270%. Wounds that normally heal in 35-40 days healed in 14 days without scar.

Market Applications:

Wound dressing for dermal wounds such as:

  • Radiation induced wounds
  • Ischemic Wounds
  • Surgical Wounds
  • Diabetic Ulcers

Advantages:

Consistent Insulin Release: 

  • IPCs consistently release insulin obviating the need to reapply insulin.

MSC derived growth factors:

  • MSCs release regenerative growth factors (TGF-β1, VEGF, etc.).

Coencapsulation of IPCs and MSCs:

  • Encapsulated cells simultaneously release factors and increase wound healing by 270% in diabetic mice.

Single application:       

  • Single applications sufficient to heal a wound.
  • Decrease potential for infection

Decreased Scar Formation:

  • Fast repithelialization decreases (potentially eliminates) scar formation.

Intellectual Property & Development Status:

Patent pending. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration.

Patent Information:
Licensing Manager:
Alex Turo
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
alex.turo@rutgers.edu
Business Development:
Eusebio Pires
Senior Manager, Technology Marketing & Business Development
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
ep620@research.rutgers.edu
Keywords:
Biomaterials
Wound healing