Convalesce

At Convalesce, we are developing a stem cell based therapy for neurological conditions that leads to degeneration of neurons, like Parkinson's. Stem cells are versatile source of cells that could be differentiated to nascent neurons, which could replace the degenerated ones. However, the stem cells after transplantation in the brain mostly do not survive or migrate to unwanted areas. As a result they are not able to serve the purpose of growing into new neurons and release neurotransmitters. The key technological advancement is in the development of a gel-based matrix that not only resembles the softness of the brain but also mimics the topography of the natural extracellular matrix of brain to a nanometer scale. When stem cells are transplanted in the brain mixed with this gel, they survive 300% better as well as remain confined to the area they are transplanted. The gel being brain mimetic, also helps in transformation of the stem cells to the target neuron type.