Plastics that heal tissue. Toronto researchers are working to quickly turn science fiction into reality in the marketplace. And yesterday, the province moved to speed up the research by funnelling $42 million toward 15 research projects in the city. The funds are part of a $91 million province-wide investment from the Ontario Research Fund and the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research. Recipients include:

Project: Therapeutic biomaterials for regenerative medicine
Lead institution: University of Toronto
Funding: $6.4 million

Therapeutic polymers, or Theramers, are medical plastics that act like drugs. They can be used to heal tissue, treat disease, induce the production of new blood vessels and kill bacteria.

Developed at the University of Toronto in conjunction with Rimon Therapeutics, a U of T spin-off company, the unique materials do not use or deliver drugs. This feature, which no other lab around the world is pursuing, makes Theramers "revolutionary," said Michael May, president of Rimon Therapeutics.

And, he added, since Theramers are medical devices, products will likely hit the market faster – some perhaps within four years – and may have fewer side effects than new drugs.

Researchers are investigating Theramers to treat eye disorders, periodontal disease, osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, reconstructive surgery and cardiovascular disease.

For more see: http://www.thestar.com/living/article/655635