A Cure for Lameness May Be on the Way

A recent study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science demonstrates how gene therapy on horses shows promising results for curing lameness in humans. The study, conducted by Kazan Federal University, Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology, and Nottingham’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, used gene therapy to cure lameness in horses within three weeks. The kind of injuries experienced by the horses are common in humans, so this study has promising applications to human recovery as well.

The study was led by Dr. Catrin Rutland, Associate Professor of Anatomy and Developmental Genetics at Nottingham. Gene therapy was used to combine the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor gene (VEGF164) to speed up the growth of blood vessels and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) to develop bone and cartilage. Both VEGF164 and BMP2 were derived from horses and then cloned into a single molecule that’s both safe and unlikely to cause a negative immune reaction. Because both genes came from horses, natural horse proteins needed for healing were produced in the animals.

Within two to three weeks, injured horses were able to walk and trot and within two months they were galloping and competing. After twelve months, the study examined the tissue from the injured limb and found that the horses had made a full recovery, were active and pain free. The study showed no side effects or adverse reactions, which is notable because previous medical treatments showed relapse rates of 60%, with the benefits of treatment only being seen after as long as five or six months. What’s more exciting is researchers believe the treatment would not only be applicable to the limbs, but also to injuries of the back and hips in horses as well as humans.

The purpose of the current study was to advance medicine, relieve pain and restore function to limbs. Having been successful in their goals, researchers plan to secure more funding to investigate the treatment on more animals and larger trials. Researchers noted that this type of therapy can be used on other injuries and disorders such as spinal cord injuries and fertility problems. The new gene therapy is promising because it offers a faster healing time and lower relapse rates.

While Lifecycle Biotechnologies may not have been directly involved in this study, we take pride in the fact that studies like these would not be possible without the products and services we provide. We offer multiple formulations of BSA and HSA as well as custom and semi-custom aqueous reagents. We are a life sciences tools and service provider that prides ourselves on the highest quality products that are used at the heart of the lifecycle for research like this as well as many of the worlds lifesaving and life-enhancing medical products.  To find out more about how we can partner with you, contact us today.