2021 Annual Meeting Startup & Practice Management Access Pass-Mechano-Activated Drug Delivery of Growth Factors as a Novel Platform for Enhancing Cartilage Regeneration

Mechano-Activated Drug Delivery of Growth Factors as a Novel Platform for Enhancing Cartilage Regeneration

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The University of Pennsylvania and McKenna Therapeutics propose enhancing cartilage repair via a novel mechanoactivated drug delivery system using mechanoactivated microcapsules (MAMCs). These microcapsules rupture under joint mechanical load to release encapsulated therapeutics, such as FGF18, a fibroblast growth factor known to promote cartilage regeneration. The study aims to test MAMCs delivering FGF18 in an ex vivo bovine cartilage defect model, assessing integrative strength and tissue regeneration. Advantages of MAMCs include targeted, controlled drug release triggered by mechanical forces, overcoming issues like rapid joint clearance seen in current therapies. Preliminary data demonstrate successful encapsulation and release of growth factors stimulating cartilage repair. Challenges include ensuring MAMCs remain in the defect post-implantation and consistent activation force in clinical settings. The technology, developed by Penn faculty and patented through McKenna Therapeutics, seeks bench-to-bedside translation. FGF18 is nearing clinical applicability, currently in phase three trials as Sprifermin, making this approach a promising innovation in orthopedic regenerative medicine.

Asset Caption

Dr. Nicholas DePhilippo

Keywords

Mechanoactivated microcapsules

Cartilage repair

FGF18

Drug delivery system

Orthopedic regenerative medicine