Inflammation-driven regenerative failure is a frontier of medicine
Roughly half of all deaths can be linked to inflammation- and fibrosis-related regenerative failures, and frailty is a rising burden as populations age — including in the Kingdom, where the over-60 group is projected to more than double by 2030. Enhancing the body's ability to regenerate tissue is one of the most promising frontiers in modern medicine.
Harnessing the body's natural healing cocktail
When tissue is injured, specific cells sense the damage and release a mix of molecules — the secretome — that guides healing. The team at KAUST, with Prof. Valerio Orlando, discovered that this process is switched on by retrotransposon RNA resembling viral RNA, which activates a balanced innate-immune response that jump-starts repair. The team reproduces this cell-free, easily purifiable secretome in the lab for use in treatment.
In-vivo in action
A patented, cell-free RNA platform for tissue repair
Human bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells are primed with a synthetic double-stranded RNA, then their secretome is isolated and formulated for application to fracture, wound or cosmetic use. The same platform shows a pro-regenerative response across bone, muscle and skin, and is being advanced through preclinical models with partner support.
- Mechanism
- RNA-triggered secretome activating innate-immune-driven repair
- Format
- Cell-free, easily purifiable, formulation-ready
- Applications
- Bone fracture, wound healing, skin repair and cosmetics
- Preclinical models
- Osteoporosis (ovariectomized) and critical-size bone defect
- Partnership
- ~USD 2.5M over 18 months
Creating impact where it matters most
Restoring tissue repair
Stimulating regeneration in bone, muscle and skin with a single platform.
Addressing aging and frailty
Targeting age-related degeneration as the Kingdom's elderly population grows.
Validated and patented
Reinforcing scientific and translational credibility through NTI-supported preclinical work.
From discovery to venture
Advancing along the biotech pathway toward investment and clinical application.
KAUST. On a mission for Saudi Arabia and the world.
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