Scientists at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) are known internationally as the first in the world to successfully implant laboratory grown organs into humans. Today, they are working to apply their expertise in regenerative medicine in a variety of projects to help wounded warriors.

WFIRM Researchers Apply Regenerative Medicine to Battlefield Injuries

Scientists at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) are developing treatments that apply regenerative medicine to battlefield injuries. The research, aimed at aiding wounded warriors, is federally funded through the Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine. Projects range from printing skin cells onto burn wounds to developing oxygen-generating materials to keep damaged tissue alive and promote healing.

Research Project Awards and Grant Highlights

Since 2008, WFIRM has managed the Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative consortium, a nationwide effort funded with more than $200 million from the federal government. AFIRM has brought forward new treatments for burns and limb, genitourinary, facial and skull injuries, resulting in more than 20 clinical studies. 

WFIRM is leading AFIRM’s 2023 initiative. The $70 million grant is allowing teams of scientists to develop therapies in: 

  • Craniofacial regeneration 
  • Extremity regeneration 
  • Skin and wound healing
  • On-demand blood 
  • Cellular therapies for trauma 

“The work of the institute is so important for our wounded warriors, and we’re dedicated to accelerating the transition of these regenerative medicine solutions into clinical use to improve the lives of wounded service members and veterans,” said Dr. Anthony Atala, director of WFIRM. 

WFIRM’s work also includes research on the effects of chemical and biological weapons using a miniaturized system of human organs, better known as “bodies on a chip.” Funded by $40 million in grants from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, the goal is to have the bodies-on-a-chip model the body’s response to chemical and biological warfare and develop potential antidotes and treatments.