image: Dr. Jason McCarthy, associate professor of biomedical research and translational medicine at Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI)
Credit: MMRI
UTICA, N.Y. – The Department of Defense (DOD) recently awarded a $500,000 grant to support a project led by Principal Investigator, Jason R. McCarthy, associate professor of biomedical research and translational medicine at Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI), to develop methods to examine the health of vascularized composite allografts (VCA). This will result in doctors being able to quickly determine whether graft rejection is occurring and alter the immunosuppression needed to keep the transplant viable.
The research directly addresses a critical need for military personnel who have survived catastrophic injuries, particularly those from blasts. Many of these brave men and women would be candidates for VCAs—transplants made of skin, muscle, bones, and nerves, such as an arm or a face—to restore function and appearance, yet the risks associated with this life-changing therapeutic option often outweigh the benefits, as rejection of the graft could put the patient’s life at risk.
“Our goal is to develop technologies to facilitate routine examination of markers of rejection to catch episodes early, allowing for the modification of immunosuppressive therapies,” said McCarthy. “Current gold standard diagnostics detect rejection too late. Using our technology, we envision in-home monitoring of graft health, enabling more widespread adoption of VCA transplantation.”
McCarthy, working alongside Carl Atkinson, Ph.D., from Northwestern University, combines expertise in the immune system with bioengineering to design these advanced imaging tools. The ultimate vision is to make these tools available in simple, user-friendly devices.
McCarthy specializes in creating molecular imaging and drug delivery materials to modulate biology, and visualize biological processes, investigating diseases throughout the body. He collaborates with investigators across the globe to enable breakthroughs that will change the future of medicine.
“We’re conducting groundbreaking research right here in the Mohawk Valley,” said Maria Kontaridis, Ph.D., executive director, Gordon K. Moe professor and chair of biomedical research and translational medicine at MMRI. “This funding will empower our talented scientists to help a part of the population who have sacrificed so much to keep our country safe—our dedicated soldiers and veterans. I am incredibly proud of Dr. McCarthy and his team for leading this vital project.”