Implant and gel combination 'could heal damaged nerves'

Through a biodegradable implant in combination with a newly-developed Guiding Regeneration Gel (GRG) that increases nerve growth and healing, the functionality of a torn or damaged nerve could ultimately be restored.

The therapy, already tested in animal models, is only a few years away from clinical use, said Dr Shimon Rochkind of TAU’s Sackler Faculty of Medicine and Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center.

Damaged nerves lose the ability to transfer signals for movement and feeling through the nervous system.

Dr Rochkind and Prof Zvi Nevo of TAU’s Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry claim to have found a way to breach the gap.

In their method, two severed ends of a damaged nerve are reconnected by implanting a soft, biodegradable tube, which serves as a bridge to help the nerve ends connect.

The gel which lines the inside of the tube nurtures nerve fibres’ growth, encouraging the nerve to reconnect the severed ends through the tube, even in cases with massive nerve damage, Dr. Rochkind said.