NYC Gazette

Columbia biomedical engineers and orthopedic surgeons have been awarded a $38.95 million contract from ARPA-H to develop a living knee replacement, referred to as NOVAJoint. The project aims to address the urgent clinical need for a permanent solution for patients with advanced osteoarthritis, offering a revolutionary approach to joint replacement.

Dr. Clark T. Hung, Professor and Vice Chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Columbia Engineering, and Dr. Nadeen O. Chahine, Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, are leading the research team. Dr. Shih-Fu Chang, Dean of Columbia Engineering, highlighted the significance of collaborative approaches in engineering and medicine to improve conditions for osteoarthritis patients.

Dean Katrina Armstrong of Columbia University emphasized the potential impact of the ARPA-H funding on revolutionizing the treatment of osteoarthritis and biomedical research. The project, part of the ARPA-H’s Novel Innovations for Tissue Regeneration in Osteoarthritis program, aims to develop a patient-specific knee joint replacement using biomaterials and human stem cells.

The team plans to create NOVAJoint, a living knee replacement that integrates seamlessly with the native bone, offering a pain-free joint function. Dr. Hung expressed his enthusiasm for leveraging innovative technologies to tackle challenges in biomedical engineering, while Dr. Chahine highlighted the potential of NOVAJoint to revolutionize musculoskeletal treatments.

The project involves a multidisciplinary team of researchers from various departments at Columbia University, as well as collaborations with external partners for preclinical testing and clinical trials. Dr. James L. Cook of the University of Missouri will lead preclinical testing, with plans to recruit patients from both universities for the clinical trial.

Equity and commercialization are key aspects of the project, aiming to establish a clear path to commercialization for successful clinical translation of NOVAJoint. The team is committed to ensuring equitable healthcare access for all Americans, regardless of various factors.

Dr. Shah, from the University of Missouri, highlighted the potential of NOVAJoint to advance knee replacement surgery and provide a better solution for osteoarthritis patients. The project aims to push the boundaries of knee replacement technology, potentially attracting interest from orthopedic companies for national commercialization.

By leveraging expertise and resources from various institutions, including the Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research and Columbia Technology Ventures, the NOVAJoint team is set to embark on a transformative journey towards developing a living knee replacement that could revolutionize the field of regenerative medicine and orthopedic surgery.