Open Call for Innovative Defense-Related Dual-Purpose Technologies/Solutions with a Clear Air Force Stakeholder Need

Along with field injuries, off-duty sporting, weight training and other recreational activities are commonly reported as the cause of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. Occurring in an estimated 500,000 U.S. citizens and 3,000 USAF and other US warfighters annually, ACL tears are highly debilitating, expensive to treat, and have a long recovery time. More than 50% of service members with ACL injury have their activity limited or are unable to return to duty following surgery. Persistent pain and stiffness of the knee and a 20% failure of the ACL again within 2 years are also reported. The Embody team, working together with the Hospital for Special Surgery Team, is developing a breakthrough biomanufactured collagen microfiber graft that provides a direct solution to these problems. A regenerative therapy, which preserves native ACL tissue, immediately restores joint mechanical strength, and promotes ACL healing would significantly improve the current method of ACL repair. We will evaluate our regenerative graft in preclinical sheep and human cadaver testing to determine device performance, efficacy, mechanism of action, and optimal delivery. These studies are directly aimed at solving our mission need and will enable requisite studies to be performed to enable subsequent human trials for both military