The Prosperos project explicitly takes the developed technology further beyond the Proof of Principle. The ambition is to produce clinical implants for certain applications and really apply these in the clinic. To achieve this, three separate routes towards implementation will be established for select groups of patients.
Read more about the route from idea to clinic.
According to Chris Arts: “All three intended implementations concern an application which is challenging, innovative and state of the art, but at the same time so safe that the project can proceed with clinical implementation immediately after the start. In other words, there is no need to wait until all innovative concepts are fully developed and tested in preclinical models. Because Prosperos is starting clinical trials at such an early stage, it is possible to immediately build a portfolio in which the developments which are scientifically innovative (such as treatment of infections by coatings or gels and the incorporation of growth factors) can follow an similar but expedited clinical path. In this way, the experience being gathered with the initial clinical trials is utilized optimally to implement the follow-ups with more innovative clinical solutions.”
Prof. dr. Lodewijk van Rhijn, head of the Orthopedic Department at Maastricht UMC+ adds: “The Prosperos project uniquely demonstrates how fundamental research in biomaterials and cell growth can be translated to clinical application which benefit the patient.”
Prosperos researchers hope to present the first application of these new implants in the clinic in 4 years.
How can I be involved as a physician?
Prosperos would like to come into contact with physicians who are expected to use the products coming out of the project. We expect to be sufficiently prepared in November 2018. At that time we will invite you to express your interest via this website.
The initial goal of these contacts is twofold:
In the second phase physicians will be involved in the execution of animal experiments (preclinical phase) and in the third phase with executing clinical pilot studies (early clinical phase).
How can I be involved as a patient?
The Prosperos project wants to bring the newly developed implants to the patient. To be able to do this, patients will need to be available who want to be the first to receive a 3D printed personalized implant. We expect we will be able use these implants as a solution for patients from October 2019 onwards. Are, in your opinion, Prosperos developed implants the best solution for you? If so, we urge you to discuss this with your physician. Should he be amenable to your wishes, we kindly ask your physician to express your interest through this website.