Trinity bioengineer wins ERC Proof of Concept Award to develop non-surgical lower back pain treatment

Posted on: 18 January 2024

Professor Conor Buckley’s project iDISC uses next-generation injectable biomaterials for tissue repair. The development of injectable biomimetic hydrogel systems may facilitate earlier interventions aimed at halting the degenerative process.

Professor Conor Buckley, principal investigator in AMBER, the SFI Centre for Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research, and Professor in Biomedical Engineering in Trinity’s School of Engineering, has secured the €150,000 funding for iDISC.

Professor Buckley is also affiliated with the Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, and the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, and is an Honorary Associate Professor in RCSI.

Professor Conor Buckley, in a head-and-shoulders profile shot. Conor is wearing a suit blazer and white shirt.

He will develop injectable biomimetic hydrogel systems for the lower back that aim to halt degeneration and restore natural biomechanical function through minimally invasive spine treatment strategies.

Speaking following the announcement of iDISC’s ERC Proof of Concept Award Prof. Buckley said: “The ERC POC award is a fantastic opportunity to accelerate my lab’s research in developing new strategies in treating disc degeneration, offering new hope and insights for patients suffering from back pain.

“This research opens new horizons in minimally invasive spine treatment strategies but also has the potential to enhance patient quality of life, reduce healthcare expenses, and minimise lost productivity throughout the European Union.”

iDISC will receive the funding over an 18-month period to progress biomechanical testing, pre-clinical evaluation, and marketing and commercialisation evaluation.

This ERC POC builds on previous research funding to Prof Buckley’s lab from the ERC, Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council, and provides a continuation of the development of next-generation injectable biomaterials for tissue repair.

Prof. Buckley added: “This Proof of Concept award provides the necessary funding to pioneer innovative solutions in treating back pain, which affects over 600 million people worldwide and is the single leading cause of disability in people under 45 years of age.”

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