A collaborative effort between a pioneering researcher from Sri Lanka and the University of Otago, New Zealand, has resulted in the development of a cost-effective bone graft material derived from cow bones.
Prof. Prasanna Premadasa
This innovative advancement addresses a significant concern within the healthcare industry, wherein the exorbitant expenses associated with current bone graft materials have resulted in restricted availability of vital therapies, particularly in economically challenged nations such as Sri Lanka. This innovative bone graft material possesses qualities akin to costly market alternatives and utilises a unique production technology.
The exorbitant expenses associated with modern medical therapeutics, such as bone graft substitute materials, have been a persistent obstacle in Sri Lanka for decades. Due to budgetary limitations, a significant proportion of the population faces difficulties in obtaining high-quality bone graft materials, resulting in limited treatment alternatives for skeletal injuries, fractures and degenerative bone disorders.
The pressing circumstances called for a transformative resolution, which is precisely the objective pursued by Prof. Prasanna Premadasa, an innovative researcher from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU).
Productive partnership
University of Otago
Prof. Premadasa has established a productive partnership with scholars at the University of Otago, New Zealand. By utilising the extensive knowledge and advanced infrastructure of the institution, the collaboration sought to exploit the potential of bovine-derived bone graft materials, which have bone regenerative properties and are bio-compatible.
The collaborative effort was to develop an economically efficient procedure capable of producing bone graft material that is similar to the costly alternatives in the market, with high standards of quality and safety. Following an extensive period of dedicated research, systematic experimentation and rigorous analysis, Prof. Premadasa and the research team developed the bone graft material.
Through rigorous testing and comprehensive comparison with established materials in the market, it has been verified that the novel graft material demonstrates comparable qualities and performance levels. This outcome eliminates any uncertainties regarding the efficacy of the new material.
Prof. Premadasa is a senior researcher and serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Technology at KDU. He concluded his primary education at Kalutara Gnanodaya Maha Vidyalaya and thereafter pursued his Advanced Level studies at Darmashoka College, Ambalangoda. He obtained his BSc degree from the University of Peradeniya and pursued further education at postgraduate and doctoral levels in England.
Prions free treatment
Bone graft material
One of the primary concerns raised in relation to bovine-derived bone transplant materials previously was the potential transfer of prions, which are anomalous proteins capable of inducing serious neurological disorders. Recognising the significance of this matter, the study team from the University of Otago, New Zealand, in a collaborative effort with KDU, implemented innovative methodologies to achieve the comprehensive elimination of prions from the bone graft material.
The most impressive feature of this breakthrough is the potential to revolutionise healthcare accessibility. The cost-effectiveness of the bone graft material obtained from cow bones enables people with financial difficulties, including those residing in economically disadvantaged areas, to avail themselves of novel bone transplant treatments without suffering excessive financial burdens.
Therefore, the introduction of this material in Sri Lanka represents a significant milestone in the country’s healthcare system, which has long been plagued by inequities.
The noteworthy accomplishments of Prof. Premadasa from KDU and the study team from the University of Otago, New Zealand, have brought new hope to many grappling with bone-related health issues.
The collective effort to develop a cost-effective bone graft material generated from cow bones, possessing comparable characteristics to costly alternatives in the market, along with the implementation of prion-free technology, serves as a testament to the potential of innovative and empathetic scientific research.
