No need to use stem cells
the orthopaedic surgeon can do one of two
Although solutions for osteoarthritis are also
things. They can remove the loose pieces of carti-
being looked for in other parts of the world, the
lage and/or level the edges to create an even sur-
MIRA research institute is the first to develop a
face. By means of microfracturing: drilling small
gel which does not rely on stem cells to restore
holes in the bone, they can allow bone marrow to
cartilage. According to the professor, this means
enter the damaged cartilage. The second option
that treatment with the hydrogel is far less
is replacement of the knee by a prosthesis. The
complicated - and therefore much cheaper - than
surgeon will postpone the latter solution as long
treatment with products containing added stem
as possible, because of the limited lifespan of
cells.
the prosthesis, and because a second operation would carry the risk of disability. These are currently the only two options,’ says Karperien.
MIRA is the first to develop a gel which does not rely on stem cells
Wound healing in dermatology However, this situation is about to change. As stated above, professor Karperien expects the hydrogel to be available on the market around 2020. But his quest for cures for osteoarthritis does not end there. ‘We are already thinking about the application of hydrogel plasters in other joints, such as the hips. This is another area where there is high demand for a solution. 30%
30
It is, therefore, not surprising that there is world-
of all osteoarthritis patients suffer from knee
wide interest in the research at the University of
osteoarthritis and 20% suffer from hip oste-
Twente. Particularly the world of orthopaedics
oarthritis. In our country alone, there are about
closely follows local developments and the MIRA
600,000 patients.’ In addition, Karperien believes
invention has frequently caused a stir at interna-
the gel plaster can be used in wound healing in
tional medical congresses. Karperien thinks this is
dermatology and even in combination with insu-
understandable: ‘If the hydrogel can be used for
lin-producing cells in the islets of Langerhans.
the treatment of cartilage trauma, we have the
‘In short,’ says the professor, ‘there is enough
first effective, cell-free treatment with minimally
work to keep us busy for many years.’ He charac-
invasive surgery. In other words, there is a real
terises his job as ‘wonderful’ and ‘of obvious
cure for osteoarthritis.’
relevance’. Karperien says that being able to
Until recently, this was lacking. ‘If osteoarthritis
cure patients with the help of technology is the
occurs in a knee due to missing pieces of cartila-
greatest thing there is. ‘That is also my biggest
ge, for example as a result of a sports accident,
inspiration to continue all this research.’