Development of TIPS microspheres for the treatment of fistulas (360G-Wellcome-095752_Z_11_A)

Perianal fistulas are abnormal channels formed between the anal canal and the skin surface. Existing treatments to close these channels typically involve medical and surgical approaches, however both have limitations. Medical agents are usually delivered systematically, but this may predispose the patient to severe infection and autoimmune reactions. Surgery using existing anal fistula plugs is successful in the treatment of simple fistulas but is associated with a high failure rate in more complex fistulas and in patients with Crohn’s disease. Dr Richard Day from University College London has received a Translation Award to develop a potential solution to this problem. He and his team have developed microspheres that, when packed into a fistula, provide a ’scaffold’ that cells can grow between and into. As the microspheres dissolve, they are replaced by new tissue to heal the fistula. With this award, Dr Day and his team aim to demonstrate that the microspheres are safe when implanted into perianal fistulas in humans.