Regenerative biomaterial for combating genitourinary syndrome of menopause

Summary

Develop and test a novel, low-cost, acellular, tissue-specific regenerative biomaterial (vECM hydrogel) to treat Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) by repairing atrophic vaginal tissue.

What they want

The project aims to determine the efficacy of a novel vaginal tissue-derived ECM hydrogel (vECM) as a regenerative therapy for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). This involves using a validated preclinical model of GSM, comprehensively characterizing alterations in vaginal structural and functional properties due to menopause, creating the novel vECM biomaterial, and assessing its efficacy in reversing vaginal atrophy through inducing epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation, neovascularization, and improving tissue elasticity and smooth muscle phenotype. The vECM will be tested as both a topical treatment and via injection.

Deliverables

A novel vaginal tissue-derived ECM hydrogel (vECM)
Characterization of alterations in vaginal structural and functional properties due to menopause
Assessment of vECM efficacy in treating GSM

Technical requirements

Use of a validated preclinical model of GSM
Application of diverse multi-scale tools for characterization
Development of a low-cost, acellular, tissue-specific, minimally invasive regenerative therapy
Specific biomaterial: vaginal tissue-derived ECM hydrogel (vECM)
Delivery methods: topical treatment and injection

Market context

inferred from NAICS

Professional, Scientific & Technical Services

NAICS 541714

US market size: $2.0T
Typical award: $25K – $50M

Typical buyers

All federal civilianDoDStates

Commonly required

8(a)WOSBSDVOSBPE/PMP

Sector-level estimate — full code lookup not yet in catalog.