Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease that causes painful gut inflammation and greatly affects patients’ daily quality of life. It affects millions worldwide but often remains invisible as many patients hide their struggles. Our research aims to develop a personalised cell therapy that helps the gut heal from within, offering hope for people whose daily lives are disrupted by this disease.
Impact
Current treatments for ulcerative colitis do not work for everyone. By growing healthy gut cells from a patient’s own tissue, we aim to create a new therapy that could reduce the need for harsh medications or surgery. Beyond the lab, our work also challenges stigma – recognizing patients, and making their invisible battles visible.
reNEW research
We have successfully grown tiny versions of the human gut, called organoids, from patients with ulcerative colitis and tested them in preclinical models. We are now preparing these cells for clinical use by producing them in a special clean laboratory that follows strict safety and quality rules, known as GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice).
Image description
A lab-grown gut barrier made of healthy cells, built to help patients heal from within.
Credits
Dr. Martti Maimets, associate investigator, Kim Jensen Lab, reNEW Copenhagen.
