Development of a Device for Measuring Peripheral Neuropathy and Treating via Subcutaneous Drug Delivery
Principal Investigator: Kristy Townsend, UMaine School of Biology and Ecology
Partners: Rosemary Smith, Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering; Leonard Kass, UMaine School of Biology and Ecology; Todd O’Brien, O’Brien Medical, LLC.; Nuri Emanetoglu, Ali Abedi, & Scott Collins, UMaine Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Abstract: Peripheral neuropathy, or the dying-back of nerves, is a serious health concern associated with over 50% of diabetic patients, is disproportionately found in aged populations, and can stem from certain drug treatments like antibiotics and chemotherapeutics. Maine is at higher risk for all of these conditions, which raises healthcare costs in our state. Our proposal is to design a device that is capable of 1) measuring conductance of small, free nerve fibers through the skin (allowing early detection of neuropathy; non-invasively), and 2) deliver treatments through the skin that will promote nerve re-growth and halt degeneration. Currently we are in the midst of a global pandemic of obesity and diabetes. The State of Maine, being the most obese state in New England, is disproportionately affected by these conditions. In addition, as the state with the oldest median age, Maine is also disproportionately affected by aging-related conditions that include metabolic dysregulation and peripheral neuropathy, or the dying back of nerves. As a result of this device development, we will positively affect the economics in Maine by providing a new commercial avenue for biotechnology, and improve the healthcare costs associated with these conditions by offering a treatment approach and the ability for early diagnosis. Economic/Commercial Impact of the Research and Technology Development – Directly impacts Maine’s economy in terms of healthcare dollars as well as commercialization of biotechnology products and new entrepreneurial opportunities – Provides funding to enable the project to be competitive for future grant applications – Supports a collaborative and interdisciplinary team of UMS and external partners – Represents an RRF research area as one of the 7 MTI technology centers (biotechnology) and a Signature/Emerging Area at UMaine (GSBSE).