Using 3D printed scaffolds to repair spinal cord injuries in primates
Official title: SCI Consortium Study: 3D Printed Scaffolds for Primate Spinal Cord Injury Repair
Funded at VA San Diego Healthcare System · NIH-11309542 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how 3D printed structures can help heal spinal cord injuries in monkeys, with the hope that what we learn will lead to better treatments for people with similar injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA San Diego Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2021 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX003405-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11309542 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with spinal cord injuries, particularly those who have experienced severe injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild spinal cord injuries or those who do not meet the criteria for severe injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of 3D printed biomimetic scaffolds to repair spinal cord injuries in a non-human primate model. The approach involves creating a tissue substitute that can replace damaged spinal cord areas and promote the growth of new nerve connections. Researchers will assess both the anatomical integration of the scaffolds and the functional recovery of motor skills in the primates after implantation. The study aims to provide insights into how these scaffolds can support recovery and improve outcomes for spinal cord injury patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that significantly enhance recovery from spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research with 3D printed scaffolds in rodent models has shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this primate study.
Where this research is happening
-
VA San Diego Healthcare System
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koffler, Yacov — VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Koffler, Yacov
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Corticospinal neurons and recovery of precise forelimb movement after spinal cord injury
This project studies how spine injuries change brain circuits and whether targeted rehabilitation helps restore precise forelimb movement.
-
How baclofen and spinal cord stimulation interact in people with spinal cord injury
This study looks at how a common antispasmodic medicine (baclofen) works together with spinal cord stimulation in people who have spinal cord injuries and live with spasticity.
-
Targeting spinal cord inflammation with a new HuR inhibitor to help SCI patients
A new treatment approach uses a small molecule to block a brain-spinal inflammation regulator (HuR) that drives harmful inflammation after spinal cord injury, aiming to lessen damage and pain for people with SCI.
-
From Neural Control of Movement to Treatments for Spinal Cord Injury
A patient-focused project aims to translate how brain signals control movement after spinal cord injury into new treatments that improve muscle function and reduce spasticity.
-
Polaris: a compact system to help motor recovery after spinal cord injury and stroke
A new, easy-to-use device called Polaris may help people with spinal cord injury, stroke, or other chronic conditions regain movement by guiding a specialized reflex-based therapy.
-
Predicting and Preventing Chronic Aspiration After Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
This project looks at swallowing problems and chronic aspiration in adults with traumatic neck spine injuries to find patterns that could prevent serious lung complications.
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.