On the battlefield: MoD contracts Plasticell to develop regenerative medicines to treat combat injuries

Developer of stem cell technologies and regenerative medicines, Plasticell, has been contracted by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in a pilot programme to develop regenerative medicines for the treatment of injuries resulting from combat or terrorism.

“This defence-related work is an extension of Plasticell’s programme for manufacture of universal platelets from stem cells in vitro, to supplement or replace donor-derived material which is perishable and in short supply,” commented Dr Yen Choo, founder and executive chairman of Plasticell. “Platelet transfusions are used in a number of medical applications but could also be used to treat individuals exposed to high levels of radiation from civilian, military or terrorist sources. In addition to their key role in blood clotting, platelets have been shown to promote wound healing, nerve regeneration and musculo-skeletal regeneration, all of which are especially relevant to recovery from various forms of battlefield injury.”

As part of this programme, Plasticell will implement the use of its combinatorial stem cell screening platform, CombiCult, in order to develop technologies for the conversion of pluripotent stem cells into platelets that promote tissue recovery and regeneration.

Additionally, Plasticell will expand its existing collaboration on artificial platelet biology with Kings College London.

This research programme will be funded by the MoD’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), which develops technological innovations and provide an advantage to defence and national security. If the programme is successful, further support may be provided through to potential applications in the front line.