University develops gel to repair damaged cartilage
Hundreds of people suffering from joint pain could be helped by a new gel being developed by a University of Bradford spin-off firm.
The University of Bradford's school of engineering, design and technology and Advanced Gel Technology Ltd (AGT), a university company, are developing a cartilage repair gel to improve the quality of life for people suffering from conditions such as osteoarthritis.
The £135,000 project, partly funded by Yorkshire Forward, began three years ago, and whilst the gel is not at clinical trial stage yet, the university and AGT are both confident that it can help hundreds of people.
Dr Pete Twigg, lead researcher at the University's cartilage repair project,said: "Total joint replacement is very successful, but may not be appropriate for younger, more active people.
"They are often encouraged to put off surgery until the pain is disabling, but a conservative replacement treatment could relieve pain and restore function at a much earlier stage."
The hydrogel treatment would be very simple and eventually could be carried out as day surgery, where the gel is injected into damaged areas, he said.
The full article contains 191 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
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Last Updated:
24 July 2008 9:55 AM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Yorkshire
