Lebanon, Pennsylvania Patent of the Year – 2024/2025
Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital has been awarded the 2024/2025 Patent of the Year for their pioneering advancement in nerve repair. Their invention, detailed in U.S. Patent Application No. 20240277901, titled ‘Engineered neuronal microtissue provides exogenous axons for delayed nerve fusion and rapid neuromuscular recovery’, introduces a bioengineered solution to enhance nerve regeneration.
This innovative technology involves creating a tissue-engineered neuromuscular interface that mimics natural nerve structures. The system comprises an extracellular matrix core populated with neurons, including motor and sensory types, whose axons extend along the matrix. This design facilitates the bridging of nerve gaps, promoting faster and more effective reconnection of nerve fibers to muscle tissue.
One of the key challenges in nerve repair is the delay between injury and surgical intervention, which can lead to poor recovery outcomes. This invention addresses that issue by providing a ready-made neural scaffold that supports axon growth and muscle reinnervation even when surgery is delayed. The engineered microtissue acts as a living bridge, maintaining the potential for functional recovery.
By advancing the field of regenerative medicine, this technology holds promise for improving outcomes in patients with peripheral nerve injuries, offering a new avenue for recovery where traditional methods may fall short.