A cell-free therapy for intervertebral disc regeneration based on the pivotal cargo of Notochordal cells (Acronym: NC-CHOICE)

Back pain due to intervertebral disc deterioration is a chronic disease that significantly affects daily life. The embryonic development of intervertebral discs is directed by a “blueprint” consisting of a package of important signal molecules. We will use these powerful signals to rejuvenate the deteriorated discs and incorporate them into advanced synthetic nanovesicles. A specialized biomaterial will accommodate the nanomedicine, providing disc cells with a natural environment to thrive once they have taken up the rejuvenating instructions. Hereby the project sets course to develop an injectable nanomedicine that can initiate disc regeneration and achieve enduring pain relief.