{"id":"CU26103","slug":"targeted-hydrogel-for--CU26103","source":{"id":"CU26103","dataset":"techtransfer","title":"Targeted hydrogel for prevention of neuromuscular contractures","description_":"<p>This technology is a drug-releasing hydrogel designed to prevent muscle contractures and associated deformities in children with neuromuscular diseases by targeting the underlying molecular cause.  </p>\r \r<h2>Unmet Need: Treatments to prevent neuromuscular contracture formation</h2>\r \r<p>Current treatments for neuromuscular contractures, such as Botox or phenol injections, primarily target muscle spasticity but do not prevent contractures from forming. As a result, children with neuromuscular diseases remain at risk for developing progressive joint stiffness and musculoskeletal deformities that can significantly impair mobility and quality of life. There is a critical need for treatments that address the underlying cause of contracture formation rather than simply managing symptoms.  </p>\r \r<h2>The Technology: Targeted hydrogel delivery to prevent neuromuscular contractures</h2>\r \r<p>This technology is a biocompatible, drug-releasing hydrogel to prevent neuromuscular contracture formation by targeting abnormal BMP2/SMAD4 signaling, a molecular pathway identified as contributing to contracture development. The hydrogel is composed of PLGA-PEG-PLGA polymers and is designed to deliver therapeutic agents directly to affected tissues, addressing an underlying cause of contractures rather than simply managing symptoms. This approach has potential applications in preventing musculoskeletal deformities associated with neuromuscular diseases, including cerebral palsy and spinal muscular atrophy.  </p>\r \r<p>This technology has been evaluated in a murine model of neuromuscular contractures, with initial results demonstrating safety and efficacy in preventing contracture formation.  </p>\r \r<h2>Applications:</h2>\r \r<ul>\r<li><p>Prevention of contractures in children with cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, and other neuromuscular diseases </p></li>\r<li><p>Prevention of neuromuscular deformities, including scoliosis, and foot, arm, and leg contractures.  </p></li>\r<li><p>Targeted drug delivery for preventing contracture formation  </p></li>\r<li><p>Research into BMP2/SMAD4 signaling and molecular pathways involved in contracture development  </p></li>\r<li><p>Prevention of mobility limitations associated with neuromuscular disorders  </p></li>\r</ul>\r \r<h2>Advantages:</h2>\r \r<ul>\r<li><p>Targets the underlying cause of contractures by addressing molecular signaling  </p></li>\r<li><p>Provides a biocompatible delivery system with established biomedical applications  </p></li>\r<li><p>Offers broad therapeutic potential  </p></li>\r<li><p>Demonstrates safety and efficacy in preclinical animal model  </p></li>\r<li><p>Promotes localized drug delivery  </p></li>\r<li><p>Has the potential to reduce invasive and expensive interventions  </p></li>\r</ul>\r \r<h2>Lead Inventor:</h2>\r \r<p><a href=\"https://www.columbiaortho.org/profile/alice-h-huang-phd\">Alice Huang, Ph.D.</a> </p>\r \r<h2>Related Publications:</h2>\r \r<ul>\r<li><a href=\"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40267206/\">Arvind V, Crosio G, Howell K, Zhang H, Montero A, Huang AH. “Functional tendon regeneration is driven by regulatory T cells and IL-33 signaling”. ci Adv. 2025 Apr 25;11(17).</a> </li>\r</ul>\r \r<h2>Tech Ventures Reference:</h2>\r \r<ul>\r<li><p>IR CU26103 </p></li>\r<li><p>Licensing Contact: <a href=\"mailto:techtransfer@columbia.edu\">Jerry Kokoshka</a></p></li>\r</ul>","tags":["Animal disease model","Botulinum toxin","Cerebral palsy","Contracture","Drug delivery","Human musculoskeletal system","Hydrogel","Interleukin","Regulatory T cell","Scoliosis","Spasticity","Spinal muscular atrophy","Tendon"],"file_number":"CU26103","collections":[],"meta_description":"Targeted PLGA-PEG-PLGA hydrogel releases drugs to curb neuromuscular contractures by inhibiting BMP2/SMAD4 signaling.","apriori_judge_output":"{\"scores\":{\"novelty\":4.0,\"potential_impact\":4.0,\"readiness\":2.0,\"scalability\":3.0,\"timeliness\":4.0},\"weighted_score\":3.65,\"risks\":[\"Preclinical stage: translation to humans unproven; regulatory hurdles for pediatric devices/drug-device combo\",\"BIOSafety: long-term safety of BMP2/SMAD4 pathway modulation in children\",\"Manufacturing: scale-up of PLGA-PEG-PLGA hydrogel with consistent release\",\"Clinical adoption: need for targeted delivery technique in pediatric population\",\"IP/ Freedom-to-operate: potential overlap with BMP signaling/modulation patents\"],\"one_sentence_take\":\"Promising preclinical, novel targeted hydrogel approach with strong potential benefit, but readiness and regulatory/translation challenges require mitigation.\"}","inventors":["Alice Huang PhD","Joshua E. Hyman","Varun Arvind"],"manager":"Jerry Kokoshka","depts":["Orthopedic Surgery"],"divs":["Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC)"],"date_released":"2026-10-30"},"highlight":{},"matched_queries":null,"score":0.0}