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Pipeline

Using our own cells to heal ourselves

With all the progress made in the world of medicine, one limitation that is still yet to be resolved is rejection, and the associated risks that come with. The body’s defence mechanism treats any unrecognised entity as a threat and will respond accordingly, if threatened.

Autologous biological therapies such as the proprietary RAPID™ Biodynamic Haematogel, counter any such risk, by using by-products that are derived from the patient’s own blood.

At the core of the product is a concentrated platelet fraction, extracted through centrifugation, to which is added autologous thrombin. This triggers the release of growth factors, cell signallers and proteins, that work at a cellular level to stimulate the patient’s own healing process.

Background to Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

First coined in the 1970s, the term Platelet-Rich Plasma, or PRP, referred to a portion of plasma with a higher platelet concentration than the one in peripheral blood.

 

Original used to treat low platelet counts in transfusions, the application of PRP soon moved on to surgical applications, like in dentistry and maxillofacial reconstructive surgery, followed by musculoskeletal-related injuries in sports science, and finally on to dermatology and aesthetic applications.

 

In such a short space of time, the use of PRP has grown exponentially, proving to be versatile in its application and handling. PRP is what gives the RAPID™ Gel its restorative properties, but its uniqueness lies in the fact that it can be manufactured into a gel for this specific application.

The Role of PRP in Wound Care

PRP is extracted from whole blood through the process of centrifugation and cellular fractionation.

The healing properties of platelets is well-founded, but similarly to the application of PRP, the understanding of the role played by platelets in wound healing has greatly evolved.

In a healthy body, platelets will be the first on the scene to deal with a cut or lesion, by forming a plug to stop blood loss. For a long time, it was believed that this was the only role played by platelets: to form a clot and eventually a scab.

Further studies showed that platelets are much more complex than they appear and play a vital role in the healing process. Once recruited, platelets are “activated” and will release cell-signallers and growth factors that will oversee specific functions, such as tissue regeneration, blood vessel reconstruction and foreign body removal. Furthermore, a cycle will commence, recruiting more platelets and releasing more growth factors, until the wound is healed.

Platelets can be activated in many ways, like physical force, cellular signalling or in our cause, when in the presence of thrombin.