As we know, the premier technical institutes in the country such as IITs promote innovations by introducing an incubator programme. On similar lines, the country’s leading medical institutions such as AIIMs too have joined hands with young entrepreneurs to develop health-related products and software. These products could become useful to both doctors and patients. They should be scalable and feasible. AIIM shares its infrastructure (samples and patients) to encourage these startups.
At present, 10 such projects are progressing at AIIMs. The whole thing started in 2021. Some projects are awaiting validation by clinical trials. Some are waiting for regulatory approval (from CDCO). The startups are being mentored by AIIMs faculty. There are training programmes and bootcamps for these startups so that they develop patient-friendly products.
One such project is that of weight loss. They are developing a clinically validated app (Zeigen ObesityRx) for people struggling to lose weight. Current weight-loss apps do not target a user’s psychology and are focused on workouts and nutrition plans.
A stem-cell-based product is being developed for treating traumatic injuries and burn wounds. It will promote tissue regeneration (without reconstruction or plastic surgery). The stem-cell products are preserved through freezing and storage. These are not user-friendly. AIIMS products are derived from stem cells by products. (double-membrane-shaped vesicles measuring less than 200 nanometers). These are an alternative to stem cells and have similar properties. They can be developed at a lower cost.
The product is in the form of a powder which could be sprinkled over the wound so as to speed up its healing and regeneration.
They are also working on sprays and gels of stem cells.
The powder form can be reconstituted into an injectable liquid which can be introduced into the knee joint to treat arthritis. It treats the underlying cause of the disease. It has been tested on animals such as pigs. It is awaiting human clinical trials.
A gut microbiome is being tested to boost immunity. It will protect the heart and brain health.