Horse Gets New Lease on Life Thanks to First Ever Bone Repair Technology

A racehorse recently got a new lease on life thanks to the first ever bone repair technology, developed by a group of Irish scientists at Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research (AMBER).

The new technology, called HydroxyColl, was presented at AMBER's first Industry Day anniversary at the Trinity College in Dublin.

Using bone components such as hydroxyapatite and collagen, HydroxyColl creates a 3d porous "scaffold" to which bone cells and blood vessels can "cling." This allows new tissue regeneration to begin.

Led by Professor Fergal O'Brien, research director at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), the team first tested this bone repair technology on a racehorse, and next plans to use HydroxyColl on humans with large bone defects.

"This exciting technology is another example that shows that Irish research is at the leading edge of material science worldwide," Damien English, Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation, said in a news release. "I congratulate Professor O'Brien, his team and collaborators at AMBER for this breakthrough solution that could have real application in the veterinary sector and which could ultimately improve the lives of thousands of people also."

The first ever patient in question, named Annagh Haven, was a 2-year-old filly suffering from a complex cyst in the jaw. This condition makes the animal vulnerable to jawbone fracture and chewing difficulties.

To improve the horse's predicament, the researchers removed the cyst and implanted sheets of the scaffold, which successfully helped bone tissue heal, retain thier shape, and function properly. Since the procedure, Annagh Haven is back to her racing ways, even winning or placing in her last six races.

HydroxyColl will be brought to SurgaColl Technologies for marketing, and may soon receive regulatory approval for clinical trials on humans.

"We will continue to carry out excellent research that has clear societal impact," added Professor Stefano Sanvito, acting director of AMBER.

The AMBER bone repair technology case study has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine.

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