Grant: Alliance Grants

The main goal of the project is to design and create biomaterials to improve treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, which affect 1.7 billion people globally. The Ortho-R technology, invented at Polytechnique Montreal, was acquired in 2015 by Ortho Regenerative Technologies Inc (Ortho RTI), and the 2 entities have since collaborated to pursue its development. A clinical study for the repair of torn tendons has begun in 2022 in the United States. R&D work is required to further advance the Ortho-R technology. The company also wishes to explore new indications for Ortho-R and develop new biomaterials for regenerative medicine. The targeted indications are the repair/regeneration of soft tissues (tendon, meniscus, cartilage, ligament), in order to address major medical needs that are largely unmet. The objectives of the project are A) to optimize the manufacturing processes of Ortho-R, B) to elucidate the modes of action and to characterize the structural/mechanical properties of the repair tissues obtained with Ortho-R treatment, C) to assess the potential of Ortho-R for the repair of ligaments and D) to develop new biomaterials with improved properties. This research project will generate new technologies and new intellectual property in the field of regenerative medicine. This project will allow Ortho RTI to continue the development of Ortho-R and to develop new biomaterials to expand its product portfolio. It will also generate new standardized mechanical tests, in addition to training future employees of the company Biomomentum. Eventually, new know-how in biomaterial production and analytical methods will lead to job creation at KABS Laboratories and CERASP. Around 20 highly specialized/paid jobs in the promising field of life sciences will be created and highly qualified personnel (>35) will be trained in a professional working/training environment. This large-scale project will make it possible to address major medical needs that are largely unmet and will strengthen Canada's leading position in life sciences while contributing to the country's economic growth.