September 30, 2022

Research into cartilage stem cell treatments receives $7 million

Medical Research Future Fund commits to collaborative research initiative

Researchers from the University of Wollongong’s (UOW) Intelligent Polymer Research Institute are members of a national effort to develop novel cartilage-based stem cell therapies that will revolutionise the treatment of joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis and facial disfigurement.

ARISTOCRAT is a new project based on an extensive collaborative program between UOW, the University of Melbourne, St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne and the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. The UOW component is led by the Director of the Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, Professor Gordon Wallace.

As just announced by Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler, almost $7 million has been awarded to the initiative through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).

The project is headed by University of Melbourne Professor Peter Choong from the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.

“Cartilage holds an important role in the body, lining the surface of our joints. Because of this, cartilage loss is far-reaching, leading to pain, deformity and loss of function,” Professor Choong said.

“Osteoarthritis is one of the top 10 contributors to the global burden of disease, affecting more than two million Australians, while microtia – an absent or poorly formed ear – affects one in 2000 newborns and can lead to hearing loss, speech, and literacy delays.

“Our research will change how these conditions are treated, using patients’ own stem cells to restore damaged or absent cartilage and minimise the number of operations required and overall time spent in hospital.” 

UOW Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation Professor David Currow said, “This national investment in work where University of Wollongong leads will improve the lives of so many people in really practical, day-to-day ways.

The UOW research team comprising Professor Wallace, Associate Professor Stephen Beirne, Dr Sanjeev Gambhir and Dr Johnson Chung will be charged with developing and processing new material formulations to ensure the effective integration of stem cells into the clinically deployable system.

UOW will also develop innovative hardware to enable the on-site processing of stem cells.

The project draws upon the well-credentialed translational skills of the Intelligent Polymer Research Institute and the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF) Materials node both part of the University of Wollongong. 

“The bringing together of the two elements of discovery and processing will accelerate progress in both. We are excited to be part of this national team that will deliver stem cell-based therapies for cartilage regeneration targeted at fixing defects in knees and creating bioprinted living ears for patients with microtia,” Professor Wallace said.

“The team comprises individuals with all the skills needed to ensure successful clinical deployment.”