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Osteoarthritis, the third most common disability in the U.S., causes cartilage and bone damage, often leading to increased pain and decreased mobility. The only interventions currently available either treat the pain or replace the joint—all measures that are largely insufficient, invasive or costly. Project leader and principal investigator Stephanie Bryant (chemical and biological engineering, materials science and engineering, BioFrontiers Institute) and colleagues want to change that with a therapy that regenerates cartilage and bone cells.

For over 25 years, Bryant’s work has focused on developing three-dimensional gel-like biomaterials that can provide scaffolding to support new cells. She joined forces with co-PIs Karin Payne and Michael Zuscik (both CU Anschutz; School of Medicine, Orthopedics). Payne loaned her cell expertise and Zuscik his knowledge of biologics to a process that will essentially allow a joint to repair itself.

“Within five years, our goal is to develop a suite of non-invasive therapies that can end osteoarthritis,” Bryant said recently. “It could be an absolute game-changer for patients.”

The dream team coalesced around AB Nexus, an initiative aimed at supporting partnerships between CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� and CU Anschutz researchers with seed funding and other resources. The project is a great example of how combining forces can amplify effect and lead to innovative solutions to the most challenging health issues facing society, said Lisa Nanstad, a research development strategist at CU ����Vlog�ƽ��. She and colleagues worked first with Bryant on securing AB Nexus funding in 2020 (the catalyst for a $1.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation in 2021), and more recently on the ARPA-H funding opportunity. 

“This ambitious project has the potential to profoundly impact the lives of people suffering with osteoarthritis, and it is also an inspiration to researchers across the University of Colorado,” Nanstad said.  “The success of this team demonstrates the value of institutional investment in seed grant funding programs like AB Nexus.”

A key part of landing the ARPA-H grant was the team’s approach to bringing their innovation to the marketplace in a practical way. Hannah Nelson, associate director of licensing (biosciences) for Venture Partners at CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� worked with the PI team to chart a path for successful commercialization and a detailed intellectual property strategy. “ARPA-H not only wants to see transformative research, but a strong commercialization and intellectual property plan to ensure that the innovations being developed can move beyond the universities to impact patients,” she said.