Creating a new tendon graft to help heal rotator cuff injuries
Official title: Development of a Novel Engineered Tendon Graft to Assist in Repair of Rotator Cuff Injuries
Funded at Pro Therapeutics LLC · NIH-10868771 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new type of tendon graft that could help older adults heal better from rotator cuff injuries by improving the way the tendon connects to the bone, making surgeries more successful.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pro Therapeutics LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Manchester, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $893,555 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AR082790-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10868771 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from rotator cuff injuries, particularly those who are older and may have had previous unsuccessful repair attempts.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute rotator cuff injuries that can be treated effectively with standard surgical methods may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing an innovative engineered tendon graft designed to improve the repair of rotator cuff injuries, which are common in older adults. The approach involves using a specialized biological material that aims to enhance the healing process at the tendon-to-bone connection, addressing the limitations of current surgical methods. By promoting better regeneration of the enthesis, the graft seeks to reduce the high failure rates associated with traditional rotator cuff repairs. Patients may be involved in clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness of this new treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for rotator cuff injuries, resulting in improved recovery and reduced need for repeat surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been advancements in tendon repair technologies, this specific approach using engineered grafts for rotator cuff injuries is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Pro Therapeutics LLC
Manchester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Larkin, Lisa M — Pro Therapeutics LLC
- Study coordinator: Larkin, Lisa M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.