Interdisciplinary Team Targets Chronic Back Pain with Stem Cell Innovation

Chronic back pain affects millions globally, often leading to costly medical visits without providing a permanent solution. The interdisciplinary team at Western’s Bone and Joint Institute is making strides in addressing this issue by developing a treatment using stem cells and custom-designed biomaterials. Their innovative approach focuses on restoring the function and structure of intervertebral discs, the crucial cushions between the vertebrae in the spine.

Co-led by Cheryle Séguin and Lauren Flynn from the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, the research aims to tackle chronic pain by promoting the regeneration of damaged spinal discs. This initiative comes at a time when conventional methods only manage pain symptoms, leaving many patients without a viable long-term solution. “We want to create a product that would promote the rebuilding of damaged spinal discs, letting the body heal itself,” Séguin stated.

Innovative Research Approach

The complexity of repairing degenerative spinal discs necessitated a collaborative effort. Séguin recognized early on that a multidisciplinary approach was essential for success. This realization led her to partner with Flynn, who specializes in natural biomaterials, and Brian Amsden from Queen’s University, known for his expertise in synthetic biomaterials.

Together, they aim to create a treatment that not only alleviates symptoms but also addresses the underlying issues of disc degeneration. “We are combining knowledge and techniques with different ingredients so we can make something new,” Séguin remarked, emphasizing the excitement of working at the intersection of their respective fields.

The team is also collaborating with researchers across Canada and the United States, including Lisbet Haglund from McGill University, who focuses on simulating the human spine, and experts from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Their diverse insights are key to informing the development of new biomaterials and treatment strategies.

Path from Concept to Patient

The journey from research concept to practical application often begins with passionate discussions among researchers sharing common goals. Séguin and Flynn credit the support from the Bone and Joint Institute, which has provided seed funding and an interdisciplinary environment crucial for turning their ideas into actionable projects.

After a decade of development, the team is gaining momentum, securing significant funding, including a $960,000 project grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and a $270,000 Impact Award from the Stem Cell Network. Despite still being in the early stages focused on materials development and cell culture experiments, the researchers are optimistic about the potential impact of their work.

“We need to test and adjust ingredients to improve outcomes, safety, and efficiency, so we are still years away from getting our products to patients,” Flynn noted. The team believes that their breakthrough could greatly benefit the healthcare system and provide relief for millions suffering from chronic pain.

As the research continues to evolve, the hope is that these innovative treatments will pave the way for a future where individuals can live and work free of debilitating back pain, improving their overall quality of life.