We are excited to announce our continued support for the BioSpine research program at Griffith University.
Led by Dr Claudio Pizzolato and Dr Dinesh Palipana, the BioSpine program combines various rehabilitation technologies and drug therapy to facilitate recovery of motor and sensory function for those with a spinal cord injury (SCI). This recent funding extension will enable the team to advance their research and prepare BioSpine for commercialisation. It will also contribute to the development of non-invasive technologies that promote neural recovery after spinal cord injuries, with the goal of making these methods accessible in clinical settings beyond the university.
SCI affects a significant number of Australians, with approximately 20,800 individuals currently living with the condition and 350-400 new cases reported each year. Most of these injuries (80%) are due to traumatic incidents, including road crashes.
MAIC’s support for the BioSpine team reflects the positive outcomes of the previous Biospine 1.0 program, which received funding over the past three years. With Biospine 2.0, the research team aim to accelerate and validate the different technologies and approaches involved, bringing them closer to being implemented for the benefit of those with spinal cord injuries. This endeavour aligns with MAIC’s goals of reducing costs associated with spinal cord injuries and enhancing both independence and quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
The additional funding aligns with the Queensland Government’s recent commitment of $5 million towards a new state-of-the-art Spinal Injuries Unit. Together, these initiatives aim to drive advancements in SCI rehabilitation and provide better support for those affected.