The Innovation Awards were presented for the 16th time at NEMO Science Museum. The Innovation Awards are an initiative of the Innovation Exchange Amsterdam (IXA). IXA uses the Awards to reward innovative ideas from young scientists. AR&D researcher Zeliha Guler was selected as the winner of the Innovation Awards in the health category. Zeliha developed an innovative degradable implant for much more effective treatment of pelvic organ prolapse.
One out of four women is under risk for prolapse, and it increases up to 60% by age or giving birth. For the correction of prolapse permanent implants are being used, but they may cause clinical complications in the long term. A newly developed degradable implant can eliminate clinical complications, in combination with the electrospinning technique, provides the natural structures for the cells and tissues to interact with. By addition of estradiol into implants, the healing and regeneration of the pelvic tissues are further improved.
Zeliha was given 10,000 euros to further develop the idea and take it to market. The technology may lead to a groundbreaking solution for prolapse treatment and could benefit a large patient population and clinicians.
Amsterdam Reproduction & Development would like to congratulate Zeliha Guler and her team on winning the 2023 Innovation Awards!
