[Regenerative medicine with the sustained release system of basic fibroblast growth factor]

Recently we have developed new sustained release system of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) using gelatin hydrogel as a carrier biomaterial. We examined the effect of topical sustained release of bFGF on blood flow recovery and tissue regeneration in various animal models of cardiovascular area. These results revealed effectiveness and safety of this therapy. We evaluated the effect of sustained release of bFGF for not only normal but also diabetes model. Slow release system of bFGF from biodegradable gelatin hydrogel prevents bFGF glycation and its combination with 5-hydroxytryptamine blocker has shown sufficient neovascularization in diabetic limb ischemia. The method may provide a more effective therapeutic angiogenesis in patients with diabetes. Clinical trial of therapeutic angiogenesis for severe hindlimb ischemia has already started.