Modifying Angiogenic Sprouting Using Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF)

Background:

Chronic wounds adversely impact the quality of life and health of patients and their families, due to pain, anxiety, loss of function, loss of mobility, depression, shame, and social isolation. Wound healing requires a cellular response to tissue injury and includes activation of keratinocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, macrophages, and platelets. The process includes organized cell migration and recruitment of endothelial cells for angiogenesis. Upon injury, the endothelium participates both in hemostasis and inflammation and can slow down bleeding by promoting vasoconstriction of the blood vessel. Once hemostasis is achieved, acute wounds normally heal in an orderly and efficient manner.

Technology Overview:

This technology defines specific amplitude-modulated pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs), applied by non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures, that stimulate collateral blood vessel growth in human or animal blood and/or lymphatic vasculature. To encourage collateral blood vessel growth, the defined PEMFs are applied externally, which artificially induce or enhance particular cell signaling pathways that lead to angiogenic sprouting and capillary lumen formation in tissue. As a result, blood flow is restored to the soft tissue wound area, facilitating healing of the tissue. This provides a very promising pathway for the development of novel and effective treatments for chronic wound patients.

Advantages:

•    Non-invasive.
•    Restores blood flow to the wound area.
•    Facilitates healing without invasive procedures or dangerous chemicals.

Intellectual Property Summary:

Patent application filed: US63/446,052, “Systems and Methods for Promoting Angiogenesis with Amplitude-Modeulated Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields,” February 2023.

Stage of Development:

TRL 3 - Experimental proof of concept

Licensing Status:

This technology is available for licensing.

Licensing Potential:

This technology would be of interest to anyone involved in regenerative medicine, such as the treatment of chronic wounds, including:
•    Hospitals.
•    Medical research centers.
•    Medical device manufacturers.