IMMPLACATE: Stem cell therapy to reduce morbidity and mortality from graft-vs-host-disease in bone marrow transplant patients

Unmet Medical Need:  Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is curative for many blood cell disorders. However, it is mainly used for lethal conditions like leukemia due to a high incidence (~50%) and high morbidity/mortality complication called graft-vs-host-disease (GvHD) caused by immune cells in the graft.

Envisioned Healthcare Product:  The IMMPLACATE team has created an immunosuppressive mesenchymal therapy that is a less toxic alternative to current drugs, thus leading to better patient outcomes, reduced hospital costs related to complications, and potential expansion of use to non-malignant conditions. 

Stage of Development: Start-Up

June 2018 Article 

March 2018 Article

Student Researcher Article

Collaborative Research Team: Holly WobmaGordana Vunjak-Novakovic, PhD; and Markus Mapara, MD

Funding Cycle: 2017-2018