EN
IT

The invention identifies a solution for the therapeutic treatment of the joints. In particular, the invention is a composite material and a system that can limit or even revers the degeneration of articular cartilage. A matrix loaded with particles is injected into the joints and can simultaneously stimulate the regeneration by therapeutic ultrasound.

Stato del brevetto

GRANTED

Numero di priorità

102019000002697

Data di priorità

25/02/2019

Licenza

ITALIA

MARKET

Market of injectable materials for the treatment of early stages of osteoarthritis.

PROBLEM

Osteoarthritis is a very widespread rheumatological disease, which causes severe motor disabilities and pain that prevents the regular activity of daily life. This disease mainly affects the elderly or obese population, although the cases found in athletes at a young age because of joint injuries are not negligible.

CURRENT TECHNOLOGY LIMITATIONS

Currently, there are no effective therapeutic solutions to combat osteoarthritis: only total joint prostheses are effective, but they are the ultimate weapon in advanced stages of the disease. However, this solution has numerous disadvantages such as high invasiveness and often the need for further surgery due to complication.

Killer Application

This invention is a revolutionary treatment of osteoarthritis especially for patients in an early stage of the disease.

Our Technology and Solutions

The invention is a system made by a composite material for the therapeutic treatment of the joints that allows to significantly slow down or even reverse the degenerative and inflammatory process affecting the articular cartilage. Consequently, this allows to slow down or avoid the need to use a prosthesis without complications, also considering the costs and efficiency of joint therapies available to the state of the art prior to the filing of the patent.

The system exploits the well-known principle of ultrasonic stimulation of piezoelectric nanomaterials for the regeneration of cartilage tissues. The invention identifies a method for the therapeutic treatment of the joints which involves the use of this system and the composite material.

Advantages

The invention can avoid the need to use a prosthesis or considerably delays the need to use a prosthesis. This means a cost-effective treatment and therapeutic outcomes.

The invention also implies a reduction in pain and a significantly increase of mobility and active life from the patients’ perspective.

Roadmap

The research group is currently involved in a European (H2020) that will allow the group to further develop the technology and to arrive at validation on animal models (TRL = 5) over the next 2 years. The group is interested in establishing contacts with partners (medical device companies, investors, etc.) to begin discussing and discussing the possible next step, namely the clinical translation of this solution, certification and market.

Review the Technology
TRL 1
TRL 1
Basic Principles
Basic principles tested
TRL 2
TRL 2
Formulation
Technology concept formulated
TRL 3
TRL 3
Proof of concept
Experimental proof of concept
TRL 4
TRL 4
Laboratory Prototype
Technology validated in lab
TRL 5
TRL 5
Prototype tested on pilot-scale/large-scale
Technology validated in relevant environment (industrially relevant environment in the case of key enabling technologies)
TRL 6
TRL 6
Commercial prototype
Technology demonstrated in relevant environment (industrially relevant environment in the case of key enabling technologies)
TRL 7
TRL 7
Real world validation
System prototype demonstration in operational/real-world environment
TRL 8
TRL 8
First complete and commercial product
System complete and qualified
TRL 9
TRL 9
Full commercial application
Actual system proven in commercial environment (competitive manufacturing in the case of key enabling technologies; or in space)

TRL

The team

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