The medical device guides the growth of injured nerves and then naturally disappears within the body.
One of the projects supported by FutuMed, an initiative led by the District Administration and Ruta N, is advancing the development of a biomedical technology that aims to become an innovative alternative for the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries. Peripheral nerves are responsible for connecting the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. The technology consists of an implantable, bioabsorbable nerve conduit developed by INBIOs Biotechnology and Biotriskel. It is designed to promote the regeneration of damaged nerves while reducing the need for autologous nerve grafts, one of the most commonly used procedures for repairing these types of injuries today.
“Every scientific breakthrough represents an opportunity to restore well-being to people. This development addresses a real medical challenge and opens new possibilities for improving patient recovery processes. Through FutuMed, we are bringing innovation closer to environments where it can be tested, validated, and strengthened to generate real impact in the city, improve healthcare, transform lives, and create well-being for thousands of people,” said Carolina Londoño, Executive Director of Ruta N.
The medical device is made from a purified porcine extracellular matrix composed primarily of collagen, which acts as a temporary guide for the growth of new cells and blood vessels. Its structure supports the regeneration process of nerve tissue and then degrades in a controlled manner within the body without generating toxic residues.
“The purpose of this medical device is to serve as a bridge that allows peripheral nerves to grow after an injury. These nerves are what enable us to feel sensations and perform movements such as bending and flexing. The goal is to help people who suffer hand lacerations or amputations achieve a better quality of life, with improved pain management and reduced phantom limb sensations,” explained Isabel Cristina Valencia, Technical Director of the project.
Peripheral nerve injuries represent a major challenge for modern medicine, as they can lead to loss of mobility, sensation, and functionality in the arms and legs, significantly affecting patients’ quality of life. In many cases, current treatments require the extraction of healthy tissue from another part of the patient’s body to repair the damaged nerve, involving additional surgery and the risk of further complications.
As part of the development process, researchers have already manufactured the first nerve conduits and conducted tests to evaluate their biological safety, as well as their physical and chemical properties. In addition, they have begun assessing the technology’s potential clinical applications in collaboration with microsurgery specialists, with the goal of validating the innovation and continuing toward future preclinical and regulatory stages.
This scientific advancement reflects the potential of innovation developed in Medellín to address real healthcare challenges. It also demonstrates how projects supported by FutuMed strengthen the city’s capacity to transform knowledge into practical solutions that improve people’s quality of life and generate meaningful social impact.
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