A horse's life was saved by Irish scientists who developed new bone restoration technology. Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research (AMBER) developed the now-patented HydroxyColl, and reconstructed a racing horse's jawbone, according to International Business Times.
Fergal O'Brien, Deputy Director at AMBER and Research Director at College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), lead the team of researchers who created the technology. Bone materials, like collagen and hydroxyapatite, are used to create a 3-D scaffolding-like structure. Bone cells and blood vessels attach to the porous materials and tissue regenerates.
Annagh Haven, the two-year-old test patient, had a complex cyst in the jaw, which can lead to fractures and the inability to chew, according to IBT. Dr. Florent David executed the surgery at University College Dublin's Veterinary Hospital.
HydroxyColl will be marketed by SurgaColl Technologies. Human clinical trials are next, pending approval.
The Journal of Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine has accepted the AMBER case study for publication.
