Improving outcomes for musculoskeletal diseases
Musculoskeletal diseases are a broad group of conditions that impact the muscles, joints and bones. These diseases can be debilitating for patients, dramatically affecting their quality of life. Current treatments often involve prosthetics or regenerative surgery, which can include the implantation of medical devices. In the EU-funded PREMUROSA project, supported by funding through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, researchers created several integrated technologies and approaches for musculoskeletal regeneration. The technologies could enable more precise, effective and personalised treatments for patients with a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders. “Musculoskeletal regeneration requires advanced technologies such as 3D printing, cell-based therapies, and biomaterials to mimic the natural extracellular matrix, providing an optimal environment for tissue regeneration and integrating seamlessly with the host tissue,” explains Lia Rimondini, professor in the Department of Health Sciences at the University of Eastern Piedmont in Italy. The team also worked towards implementing predictive algorithms, which support personalised medicine through computational modelling. These algorithms can simulate and forecast the outcomes of different treatment options and use artificial intelligence to analyse patient data, identify patterns, predict disease progression and personalise treatment plans. “PREMUROSA developed an end-to-end approach to musculoskeletal regeneration, covering biomaterial development, patient-specific preclinical models, and clinical decision support tools,” says Rimondini. “Our framework addresses every step, from fundamental research to practical application, making significant contributions to precision medicine.”
Training a new generation of scientists
Beyond developing new technologies, part of the project involved training a new cohort of scientists in personalised regenerative medicine. This involved interdisciplinary collaborations between academia, industry and clinics, exposing the researchers to diverse aspects of musculoskeletal regeneration. “We tried to enhance the curriculum with strong multidisciplinary competencies, integrating core competencies in basic science with clinical applications, emphasising the translation of research findings into real-world therapies, and encouraging teamwork and collaboration among scientists from diverse backgrounds,” adds Rimondini. Hands-on experience in developing in vitro and in silico models, combined with training in leadership, project writing and business development, equipped them for real-world challenges.
Creation of novel biomaterials
Through the PREMUROSA project, the consortium developed new biomaterials to provide better support for cell growth and tissue regeneration, leading to improved tissue engineering and advancements in manufacturing techniques to create complex, patient-specific scaffolds for bone and cartilage. This included work on stem cell therapies, which can potentially treat various musculoskeletal conditions, including cartilage repair and bone regeneration. The main scientific results represent broad development and evaluation of the novel biomaterials, exploration of antibiotic alternatives through biomaterials, the establishment of 3D in vitro models to imitate bone tissues, extensive work on tissue repair, and strategies for intervertebral disc repair. “Our innovations significantly improved the potential for personalised treatments in musculoskeletal disorders,” remarks Rimondini. The work means that patients with musculoskeletal disorders can benefit from more accurate and individualised treatments, improving recovery outcomes and reducing complications. The project results will also help clinicians select therapies more effectively. “This will not only enhance patient quality of life but also reduce the economic burden on healthcare systems in the long run,” notes Rimondini.
Fostering a network of multidisciplinary scientists
PREMUROSA’s most valuable research achievement is a brilliantly built network of scientists from distinct disciplines efficiently working together, says Rimondini. Though the project is over, the team will continue to develop their new biomaterials, and the collaboration continues. “Stay tuned for our updates,” adds Rimondini. “New technologies are on their way!”
Keywords
PREMUROSA, musculoskeletal, medicine, precision, training, scientists, novel, biomaterials
