UConn R&D is pursuing the development of several projects based on technologies invented by UConn professors and faculty. These include:

New Materials in Bone Repair
UConn R&D is working with Dr. Sangamesh Kumbar, Ph.D., of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the UConn Health Center. Dr. Kumbar is collaborating with several researchers in the Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Chemical, Materials and Biomolecular Engineering. This project involves new materials for the repair and replacement of damaged hard tissues, such as bone, which is a major clinical problem in the U.S. and around the world. In the U.S. alone, more than 500,000 hip and knee replacements are performed and over a million fractures are treated each year. 

Cancer-related Fatigue
UConn R&D is working on an opportunity for the development of a novel, supportive therapy in the field of oncology. This new approach derives from the work of Dr. Andrew Winokur, Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Neuropsychopharmacology Treatment, Training and Research Center at the University of  Connecticut School of Medicine, and his colleagues. His research involves the use of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) and TRH agonist compounds to treat cancer-related fatigue, which is a substantial unmet medical need. Dr. Winokur is currently conducting a clinical study to examine the effects of TRH on fatigue measures in cancer patients. UConn R&D is developing a plan for investment funding in order to advance this discovery toward a commercial product.

Stem Cells for Cartilage Repair
Degenerative diseases of cartilage, particularly osteoarthritis, are among the most prevalent and debilitating chronic health problems in the United States and are one of the main causes of decreased quality of life in adults. Treatment of degenerative cartilage diseases is a particular challenge because of the limited capacity of the tissue for self-repair and renewal, making treatment of cartilage lesions a major clinical problem. Thus, severe cartilage erosion and degeneration often necessitates total joint replacement surgery. Because of their unlimited capacity for self-renewal while maintaining the ability to differentiate into multiple cell types, human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are a potentially powerful tool for the repair of cartilage defects using cell based tissue engineering therapies. 

Contact UConn R&D for further information on this project, or to inquire about other projects in development.