University of Michigan creates spine injury 'EpiPen' — 3 insights

Spinal Tech

Ann Arbor-based University of Michigan researchers created an injectable solution containing nanoparticles for spinal cord injuries, similar to what an EpiPen does.

What you should know:

1. The nanoparticles reprogram immune cells to limit the inflammation response after a spine injury. Excessive inflammation contributes to loss of function in spinal injury patients.

2. The nanoparticles also reprogram the immune cells that do reach the injured area, converting them to assist with tissue regeneration instead of inflammation.

3. The particles would encourage healing instead of inflammation.

Lonnie Shea, PhD, a professor of biomedical engineering at the university, said, "Tools that can target immune cells and reprogram them to a desired response have numerous opportunities for treating or managing disease."

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