We develop a hyaluronan as a microenvironment that can enhance the BMP-2, chondrogenic genes expression and cartilage specific matrix formation on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) induced by simvastatin, and this also reduces the osteogenic effect on MSCs. Based on this, we have developed Hyaluronan hydrogel and Simvastatin/PLGA microspheres. These products can be applied for articular cartilage defect regeneration.

Take the global articular cartilage regeneration market as an example, the global articular cartilage repair market is estimated to reach 27 billion U.S. dollars in 2023. North America is the main market for the repair of knee joint cartilage products. Statins including Simvastatin is a clinical used drug, mainly used for lowing blood cholesterol. Statins also can induces BMP-2 expression, and chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Although simvastatin can promote cartilage repair through enhance BMP-2 expression, to avoid the ossification caused by BMP-2 is still an unmet need. We develop a hyaluronan as a microenvironment that can enhance the BMP-2, chondrogenic genes expression and cartilage specific matrix formation on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) induced by simvastatin, and this also reduces the osteogenic effect on MSCs. Based on this, we have developed Hyaluronan hydrogel and Simvastatin/PLGA microspheres. These products can be applied for articular cartilage defect regeneration.

本技術可製作玻尿酸水膠，或可攜帶辛伐化汀之徐放微粒應用於關節軟骨缺損修補。可應用於關節軟骨缺損修補相關之醫療器材或藥物。