Schwann Direction: dECM-based Implants for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 985 938 |
| Project duration | October 2024 - March 2026 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Preparation projects for international application within health |
| Call | Towards deeper collaboration with UK and USA partners within Health and Life Science |
Important results from the project
We have built a well-rounded international consortium focused on a long-term project plan for developing advanced therapies for peripheral nerve regeneration primarily with partners from Sweden and UK. We have developed a proof of concept nerve implant that utilized decellularized nerve tissue and related nerve regeneration growth factors in order to better mimic native tissue. This nerve implant can be utilized after more studies for the purposes of treating peripheral nerve injury.
Expected long term effects
The proof-of-concept clarified the development timeline, aligned partner expectations, and strengthened the interdisciplinary collaboration between RISE, UmU, and UCL through sharing of knowledge and ideas with each other. In the long run this should demonstrate the feasibility and reduce risk for funders, and thus support future grant proposals. The preliminary outreach of results is expected to attract more interest from international research groups and open possible new collaborations.
Approach and implementation
We created a prototype nerve implant that showed promising results when tested with Schwann cells and other cell lines. We have also strengthened the consortium competencies with laboratory visits among the partners and brainstorming sessions. To further the reach of our project and communicate results, we have the project featured on an online podcast (SciPod). Further activities will be undertaken beyond this project’s lifetime with the end goal of treating Peripheral Nerve Injuries.