Medical care
At Regenerative Medicine Utrecht, turning lab discoveries into patient care is our aim. The Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells of UMC Utrecht and the connection with the clinic forms an integral part of our approach: we bring doctors and researchers together to move fundamental science from bench to bedside. Here are some examples of innovations already improving patients’ lives:
Stem cell therapy for newborns with brain damage
Cora Nijboer and her team are developing a stem cell therapy for newborns with brain damage after a stroke. The treatment aims to support the natural recovery ability of the baby’s brain. In a recent clinical study, they showed that mesenchymal stem cells can be safely delivered to newborns via nasal drops.
Now, the treatment is further being clinically developed in an effectiveness study.
Better prediction model for cystic fibrosis patients
To treat or even cure a disease, we first need to understand it. Many medicines are developed using models that don’t fully reflect how the body works. Here in Utrecht, researchers are building better disease models to change that. For example, Jeffrey Beekman and his team found that intestinal organoids, mini organ-like structures, from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients behave differently compared to healthy individuals. This led to the Forskolin-induced Swelling (FIS) test, an organoid test that helps doctors see what treatment works best for each patient. The FIS test is now part of Dutch CF guidelines, helps doctors worldwide tailor treatments for rare CF cases, and is gaining recognition from the European Medicines Agency.
Stem cell treatment for knee cartilage damage
Roel Custers and his team are working on new ways to preserve knee joints. One example is the IMPACT study, which tests a one-step cell therapy for knee cartilage damage. The treatment uses a patient’s own cartilage cells together with donor stem cells. Developed in the RMU lab, it has moved from lab studies to first-in-human trials and is now in a phase III study comparing it with standard care. In collaboration with Daniel Saris (Mayo Clinic), the team is also exploring the approach for hip and shoulder problems.
Questions?
If you have questions about your own health, please contact your doctor. You may also find useful information at the Mobility Clinic or the Cardiovascular Center of UMC Utrecht. Questions about regenerative medicine? Please visit HelpdeskRM (Dutch)
Interested in participating in clinical research? Learn more about how to take part in at UMC Utrecht (Dutch).
About Mobility Clinic, UMC Utrecht
The Mobility Clinic of UMC Utrecht is the academic expertise center for people with complex problems of the support and musculoskeletal system. Medical specialists from different departments work together in a multidisciplinary manner. As a result, almost all patients can count on a clear diagnosis and clear treatment advice after the first visit to the clinic. Read more on the official website of or watch the video (Dutch).
About Cardiovascular Center, UMC Utrecht
UMC Utrecht is the central Cardiovascular Center of the Netherlands. Our mission is to play a leading role in reducing cardiovascular disease. We work on this every day during patient care, through scientific research and through education. Read more on the official website of or watch the video (Dutch).