Research to focus on the development of membrane dressing to accelerate wound closure and improve scar tissue strength and flexibility.
(PHOENIX) – Phoenix-based biotechnology company Axolotl Biologix, an innovator in regenerative medicine technologies, announced that technology it has exclusively licensed has been awarded a $224,500 grant funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for the research and development of a wound-healing device for chronic wounds in patients suffering from diabetic foot ulcers.
This research addresses a critical market need by providing a bioengineered wound-healing device that can be used as a sole therapy and to prevent future limb complications. The development of this bioengineered membrane dressing will mimic the biochemical and mechanical characteristics of healthy human skin to stimulate the regrowth of skin cells, facilitate accelerated closure of wounds, and improve the strength and flexibility of the resulting scar tissue.
Research and development will be done collaboratively between Axolotl Biologix and Flagstaff, Arizona-based Protein Genomics, a biotechnology company that focuses on the research and development of biopolymers and their applications in wound healing and tissue regeneration.
“This grant enables the collaboration, research and eventual development of a bioengineered wound-healing solution made from native proteins and an elastin component into a composition designed to mimic human skin architecture,” said Bob Maguire, CEO of Axolotl Biologix. “Creating an innovative, biomimetic wound-healing therapy that promotes rapid healing for diabetic patients will minimize the chance of infection, improve the tensile strength of the skin in the affected area and reduce progressive tissue necrosis.”
Research on an innovative, new wound-healing treatment builds upon previously completed studies in a murine model that demonstrated the rapid closure of wounds, complete epithelization, and remodeled tissue that more closely resembled native skin. This research focuses on the synthesis of membranes containing genetically engineered tropoelastin and collagen mixtures to resemble the protein composition and structure of human skin, with the resulting scar tissue being stronger and more flexible due to the presence of elastin and less prone to subsequent failure or recurrence.
Phase 1, which will be completed within a 12-month timeframe, will consist of a series of experiments, evaluations and assessments in a pre-clinical diabetic wound model. Future Phase 2 work (not yet funded), which is expected to take between 12-24 months, will focus on the commercial development of an innovative solution for the treatment of diabetic wounds that will translate into improved clinical outcomes for diabetic patients.
“Foot ulcers and chronic wounds remain a treatment challenge for diabetic patients,” stated Burt Ensley, PhD, CEO of Protein Genomics. “The development of a more effective, biomimetic wound-healing therapy for the rapid closure of chronic wounds will result in less recurrence of diabetic foot ulcerations and substantially less scarring.”
Maguire added, “Chronic wounds in patients suffering from diabetes is a significant public health problem that affects over 30 million patients in the United States. Developing an innovative wound-healing therapy will be a novel solution for the treatment of chronic diabetic wounds.”
Rapidly building a portfolio of unique, patented regenerative-treatment products, Axolotl Biologix recently announced the launch of AxoBioFluid® A, its third amniotic allograft product providing significant improvements in patient outcomes, while delivering high value for clinicians. AxoBioFluid A is an ambient (room temperature) amniotic allograft fluid that is an alternative to its existing cryopreserved AxoBioFluid. Both products are media conditioned by amniotic mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), and amniotic epithelial cells (AEC); which contain associated growth factors that are released during cell culture. These growth factors have significant regenerative benefits when used as a treatment for various injuries and degenerative conditions. Additionally, these fluids are immune-privileged in utero; therefore, they assist with repair of soft tissue without the chance of immunorejection.
About Axolotl Biologix, Inc.
Axolotl Biologix, Inc. is an innovative biotechnology leader in regenerative medicine through research, technology and clinical application. Axolotl Biologix is expanding the human body’s ability to regenerate by developing and manufacturing regenerative human cell and tissue medical technologies that are disrupting traditional, more invasive, painful, and expensive treatment protocols. For more information, visit www.axobio.com.
About Protein Genomics
Protein Genomics carries out research and development on sophisticated, high-performance biopolymers for potential applications in the wound healing, tissue regeneration, dermal filler and personal care markets. For more information, visit www.proteingenomics.com.
Research reported in this news release was supported by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number RK1DK112315. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official view of the National Institutes of Health.
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