Merging Science with Technology to Treat Disease
Regenerative medicine uses clinical procedures to repair or replace damaged or diseased tissues and organs, versus some traditional therapies that just treat symptoms.
To realize the vast potential of tissue engineering and other techniques aimed at repairing damaged or diseased tissues and organs, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC established the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine. The McGowan Institute serves as a single base of operations for the University’s leading scientists and clinical faculty working to develop tissue engineering, cellular therapies, and artificial and biohybrid organ devices.
The McGowan Institute is the most ambitious regenerative program in the nation, coupling biology, clinical science, and engineering. Success in our mission will impact patients’ lives, bring economic benefit, serve to train the next generation of researchers, and advance the expertise of our faculty in the basic sciences, engineering, and clinical sciences. Our efforts proudly build upon the pioneering achievements of the Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute.
While there are certain select therapies based on regenerative medicine principles now in clinical use, much work lies ahead to realize the potential of this growing field. Advances in the underlying science, engineering strategies to harness this science, and successful commercial activities are all required to bring new therapies to patients.
Regenerative Medicine Podcasts
The McGowan Institute sponsors a podcast series on regenerative medicine. Listen to some of the world’s leading regenerative medicine researchers and physicians talk about their work.
Listen to the most recent podcasts.
News and Events
DARPA Awards $22M for ‘Smart’ Device that Regenerates Muscle
A multi-institution research team led by the University of Pittsburgh secured a $22 million grant from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop a device combining artificial intelligence, bioelectronics and regenerative medicine to regrow muscle tissue, especially after combat injuries.
Dr. George Gittes’ Diabetes Gene Therapy Licensed to Genprex Inc. Phase I Clinical Trial Next Step
Genprex, Inc., a clinical-stage gene therapy company developing potentially life-changing technologies for patients with cancer and other serious diseases, today announced that it signed an exclusive license agreement with the University of Pittsburgh for a diabetes gene therapy that may have the potential to cure Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, which together currently affect approximately 30.3 million people in the U.S, or 9 percent of the U.S. population.
Using Regenerative Biology to Restore Mucus Production
Mucus is a protective, slimy secretion produced by goblet cells and which lines organs of the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. Slime production is essential to health, and an imbalance can be life-threatening. Patients with diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and ulcerative colitis produce too much mucus, often after growing too many goblet cells
UPMC Celebrates 500th Adult Living-Donor Liver Transplant
Celebrating another milestone in its pioneering role in liver transplantation, UPMC has performed it’s 500th adult living-donor liver transplant (LDLT). “Living donation offers an option for those who won’t qualify for a deceased donor transplant or who simply cannot wait” said McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine affiliated faculty member Abhinav Humar, MD, Chief, Division of Transplantation, UPMC.
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