Can cell therapy restore muscle function?

AMELIE (Anchored Muscle cELls for IncontinencE) is a 5-year H2020 EU-funded research project. The consortium proposes a novel regenerative intervention using autologous skeletal muscle derived cells (ASMDC) to restore the function of the sphincter muscle. Scientists will attach ASMDC to implantable microcarriers, to improve cell delivery and engraftment in patients with faecal incontinence. This strategy is expected to improve cell viability and increase the likelihood of muscle regeneration, contributing to improved continence.

AMELIE (Anchored Muscle cELls for IncontinencE) involves the collaboration of 13 organisations across nine countries to develop and carry out research. The project is being co-ordinated by UCL and led by Richard Day, Professor of Regenerative Medicine Technology at UCL. They seek to establish a new form of cell therapy as a treatment for faecal incontinence.