Monday, May 13

IIT Kanpur Licenses Innovative Bone Regeneration Technology To Conlis Global Inc.

Edited by Aishwarya Krishnan

In a groundbreaking development, the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K) has forged a strategic partnership with Conlis Global Inc., a Canadian biotechnology company, to commercialize a cutting-edge technology aimed at promoting bone healing and regeneration. The technology, developed by Prof. Ashok Kumar and his team from the Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering at IIT Kanpur, promises to revolutionize musculoskeletal regeneration.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) sealing the collaboration was signed by Prof. Tarun Gupta, Dean of Resources and Development at IIT Kanpur, and Dr. Sumrita Bhat, CEO of Conlis Global Inc., in a ceremony attended by key stakeholders including Prof. S. Ganesh, Director of IIT Kanpur, Prof. Ankush Sharma, Professor In-charge of Start-up Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC), and Dr. Raman Koul, Chief Technology Officer of Conlis Global Inc.

Speaking on the significance of this partnership, Prof. S. Ganesh emphasized the Institute’s commitment to creating impactful research outcomes. He added, “It is a testament to the high quality of research at IIT Kanpur that brings real and practical benefits to people.” He added, “This innovative technology is a prime example of how we can make a real difference, and we are excited to see how this technology will help people, not just in India but worldwide! I congratulate Prof. Ashok Kumar and his team”.

Dr. Sumrita Bhat expressed excitement about the technology’s potential to address critical needs in bone and joint disorders. She highlighted the company’s eagerness to collaborate with IIT Kanpur in bringing this transformative solution to market, “It represents a significant step forward in treating bone and joint disorders, and we look forward to taking this to market to benefit patients worldwide.”

Prof. Tarun Gupta highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between research and commercialization, emphasizing the role of partnerships in translating laboratory innovations into tangible products. He added, “This will inspire us to continue to work on supporting research in various domains and helping our engineers, scientists and other talent to bring their dreams into fruition.”

The pioneering technology, called “Nano Hydroxyapatite-Based Porous Polymer Composite Scaffolds for Bioactive Molecule Delivery in Musculoskeletal Regeneration,” offers a biocompatible approach to bone regeneration by serving as a carrier for bone-active biomolecules. Prof. Ashok Kumar, elaborating on its capabilities, stated, “The material is a promising approach for reconstructing and repairing bone defects while addressing the drawbacks and complications associated with technologies that are available in the market at present.”

Characterized by osteoinductive (bone healing process) and osteopromotive (material for new bone growth) properties, the biodegradable technology exhibit excellent biocompatibility and mechanical strength, making them suitable for various clinical applications, including large bone defects and dental procedures. Enhancing tissue formation, mineralization, and rapid defect healing, it can also be used as a bone substitute, overcoming autograft limitations.

With the signing of this MOU, IIT Kanpur and Conlis Global Inc. embark on a journey to bring cutting-edge healthcare solutions from the laboratory to the market, embodying a shared commitment to innovation and societal impact. The primary goal of the technology is to overcome the drawbacks of the existing remedies and other alternatives that have been associated with infection and immune related complications. Moreover, it addresses concerns related to infection and immune-related complications, offering a versatile solution for combating bone pathologies.