A novel target for prosthetic loosening
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Linköpings universitet - Institutionen för klinisk och experimentell medicin |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 717 508 |
| Project duration | December 2012 - December 2015 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
Today we are lacking pharmaceuticals to stop or delay prosthetic loosening. The overall aim for current project was to develop new strategies to prevent prosthetic loosening. By determine changes in molecular biology and mechanical regulation during prosthetic loosening, our overall goal was to provide knowledge to prevent or delay bone degradation around a prosthesis. Collaboration between Astra Zeneca and the research group was initiated, which provided the research group with novel pharmaceuticals, and fruitful knowledge about drug-development within the industry.
Expected results and effects
Anna Fahlgren has found new molecular mechanisms and mechanical factors behind bone degradation in prosthetic loosening. Close collaboration between Astra-Zeneca and the research group was necessary to determine the role of specific molecular pathways for bone degradation. A new in vitro model for bone implant loosening was created to trace new pathways more cost-efficiently. It is a unique tool to study the influence of mechanical loading on bone cells in presence and absence of pharmaceuticals, which has also been commercialized for drug-discovery in BioRepria AB.
Planned approach and implementation
A close national and international research collaboration together with direct contact between industry and academia are key factors for success of the project and for new valuable networks. Anna has been part of a mentorship program provided by Kungliga Ingenjörsvetenskapsakademin were her new drug-discovery tool was one of ten finalist for best commensialization journey 2015. Enhanced mobility by collaboration between Linköping University, Astra Zeneca, and BioReperia AB, open up possibilities to transfers knowledge out into the real world.