Microsphere plan for bone care

Tuesday July 26th, 2016

Microspheres carrying stem cells could be used to treat osteoporosis, British researchers believe.

Some £1.2 million has been awarded to Nottingham University for a project to test the idea.

Their idea is to use porous microspheres made from calcium phosphates.

These would be filled with the patient's stem cells and injected into areas at high risk of fracture.

The researchers also have to develop a delivery system for the microspheres.

The project is being backed by the UK National Institute for Health Research.

So far the research team has developed a technique to manufacture the microsphere materials and has proved that stem cells can be placed within the spheres.

Researcher Dr Ifty Ahmed, an engineer said: “We would advocate a national screening program, using a DEXA scan, which measures bone mineral density, to identify people at high risk of fracture due to osteoporosis.

“If we could strengthen these people's bone before they suffered from fractures, using a simple injection procedure, it would save people the pain and trauma of broken bones and associated consequences such as surgery and loss of independence.”

Tags: Rheumatology | UK News

Printer friendly page