Back pain breakthrough - growth story

Pioneering research and skills

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

Back pain breakthrough Lower back pain affects 80 per cent of the population at some point in their lives, costing billions to the NHS and the wider economy through sickness leave.

EPSRC-sponsored scientists at Sheffield Hallam University have developed a potential cure for chronic back pain through minimally invasive hydrogel injections that can regenerate damaged discs.

The injection contains stem cells, growth factors and inhibitors in a package into the intervertebral discs of patients.

The team has secured a commercial partner for their work and colead investigator Dr Chris Sammon says “Although the work is still in its infancy, it has enormous potential with a market value of tens of millions of pounds�.

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