IIT-M develops injectable hydrogel for fibrosis

Researchers at the IIT Madras (IIT-M), including Vignesh Muthuvijayan>>> and Varshini Gopinath>>>, have developed a patented injectable hydrogel designed to treat fibrosis and other chronic degenerative diseases. This biodegradable and biocompatible hydrogel, made from silk cocoons and seaweed, delivers anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory drugs directly to affected tissues in a sustained manner, potentially replacing weeks of medication with a single localized dose. The innovation is estimated to reduce treatment costs from USD 2,000-3,000 to approximately USD 300 per course. Follow-up studies, in collaboration with the University of California, San Diego, have shown its potential in treating sarcopenia, an age-related muscle loss condition. The IIT Madras is exploring various pathways for real-world deployment, including technology transfer, licensing, or creating a start-up.