Researchers at the University of Brighton’s Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Devices are part of an international team of experts developing an innovative injectable treatment designed to accelerate healing in deep, hard-to-reach wounds which affect more than 300 million people worldwide.
Known as deep cavity chronic wounds, these types of wounds are a major source of pain and distress for patients, significantly reducing their quality of life and accounting for 2-4% of healthcare costs in Europe. Current treatments are limited in their ability to reach the depths of the wounds, control infection and inflammation, as well as facilitate tissue regeneration. Now, thanks to a major €7.299 million grant from the European Commission, this may change soon.
At the heart of the Injectheal project is a 4D injectable self-healing hydrogel, designed to not only deliver medication precisely where it’s needed but to actively support tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation and infection. When completed, the hydrogel which is developed from safe, sustainable materials, will be a radical leap in chronic wound treatment—especially for deep tunnel wounds, which are notoriously difficult to manage using existing therapies.
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