University of Otago biomedical sciences researcher Associate Prof Rajesh Katare was developing such a product — called a smart patch — and hoped it could be widely available within the next decade.
He has been granted funding through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Endeavour Fund’s Smart Ideas programme to research the development of a new, multi-use, off-the-shelf, biodegradable ulcer patch as an advanced wound-care product.
Prof Katare said much of his research would be focused on creating a patch to treat life-threatening ischemic ulcers.
He would work with a team of experts in nanomedicine and bioengineering techniques, to combine synthetic molecular regulators that accelerate wound healing.
"Unfortunately I can’t say much more than that because it is intellectually protected," he said.
"But the idea is to develop a synthetic biodegradable patch which does contain some [bioengineered healing product] which influences the activation of some factors which will heal the wound."
The research process would also provide evidence about how developing nanoparticles might aid in regenerating blood vessels in patients with peripheral vascular disease, holding out the promise of attracting commercial partners who specialise in regeneration therapy.
The research team would work with both New Zealand and international collaborators to develop the patch and assess its clinical use in key markets.
He said the product would be particularly helpful for elderly people and those with nerve damage who were prone to infection.
"The incidence of non-healing wounds is expected to increase as our population ages, as well as for those with comorbidities, such as diabetes and hypertension.
"In Aotearoa, there is a disproportionate increase in the rate of chronic non-healing ulcers in the Maori population, especially in those with diabetes.
"Current treatments fail to prevent amputation in more than 58% of diabetic patients developing foot ulcers.
"There is data showing patients who have amputations have a lower life expectancy than someone with prostate cancer.
"It is much reduced, especially in those with diabetes."
He said the successful development of a patch could also lead to new economic opportunities with local wound care product developers, such as ManukaMed NZ, who had agreed to support the product.
Prof Katare was thrilled with the funding.
"I am elated. It is a very exciting step forward and I am glad the ministry can see the multi-faceted value of the work we are doing here."
