Everyone has wondered – at least once – why there is still no cure for certain diseases, not even in the twenty-first century. The answer is that clinical tests are run all the time in global research centers and international universities; however, few such studies are completed for the lack of either funds or infrastructure, or, once completed, never hit the market for being unable to overcome the challenges of bureaucracy .
A translational research on biomaterials performed at the Center for the Study of Poisons and Venomous Animals (CEVAP) of UNESP Botucatu, made it easier to transfer basic research results to clinical trials, having associated several types of medical knowledge into practice, in order to bring real benefits for the community.
Thanks to the model, the study has finally hit the market, after 25 years of efforts. Thanks to the use of rattlesnake poison, UNESP researchers obtained an active biopolymer, which was successfully used to stop bleeding and to regenerate tissues, close wounds in general and poisonous ulcers, and as adhesive for skin, nerves and gums, as in bone grafting and stem cell therapy, to be used both for humans and animals.
The new active biopolymer was used in an orthopedic injury surgery of a dog, at the Chico Pupo Animal Hospital, located in Botucatu. The material was used in several fronts: biological glue, blood coagulation and cellular therapy, by means of the technique whereby the stems cells acts as scaffolds, surrounded by the biopolymer.
“We have standardized the use of the active biopolymer together with the mesenchymal stem cells, in order to accelerate bone regeneration. The methodology offers a new approach in cellular therapy, for it maintains such viable cells at the place where the injury was sustained for 20 days or more” says biologist Patricia Orsi, researcher of Kaivo Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento em Saúde Ltda., company that received the UNESP license for the product. Kaivo will also be in charge of taking such new therapy to the market.
Using biomaterial in animal and human surgeries will completely change the treatment of several injuries and diseases, with no stiches and a far more effective and safe response, reducing recovery time.
“Brazil has had very few opportunities to develop a fully new and disruptive technology. This is one of them. While global research centers have started publishing studies on fibrin as one of the most attractive polymers for skin tissue engineering, we have developed and are already marketing a very strong polymer, capable of regenerating much more than the skin. We are pioneering global efforts in biotechnology. We are on the verge of discovering new uses for such active polymer, which will be able to bring solutions for several diseases and medical issues that still have found no other alternatives”, says Moacyr Bighetti, CEO of Kaivo.
By: Andréa Guardabassi / Source: