Researchers hoping to begin BioPen clinical trials in three years

St Vincent’s surgeon and researcher, Claudia Di Bella, is part of the team developing the Biopen. The Biopen uses 3D technology to print live cells to repair damage to cartilage, muscles, tendons and bones. Developed at the Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery based here at St Vincent’s, the Biopen contains fluid which has stem cells extracted from the patient, so that the repair has minimal chance of rejection. The aim of the Biopen is that it be used in surgery, for example to sculpt a patient-specific repair to a damaged knee. Researchers have successfully proven the concept, and are now looking to refine the process and the product, and are hoping to begin clinical trials in three years.