✨ Brazilian Science Making History 🇧🇷🐾
An innovative study led by Professor Tatiana Sampaio and PhD candidate Carolina Chize, from the Graduate Program at Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, has delivered exciting results in the treatment of paralyzed dogs.
The research used polylaminin, a protein developed in Brazil, to stimulate tissue regeneration and help restore movement in animals with spinal cord injuries.
Originally developed as part of a doctoral thesis, the protein — which already exists naturally in the body — acts as a kind of “biological guide,” helping cells navigate the healing process.
One of the most inspiring cases is Teodoro, a dog from Rio de Janeiro who lost movement in his hind legs after a spinal injury. Along with five other dogs, he took part in Brazil’s first-ever clinical trial using direct applications of the protein to the spine. After six months, four out of six dogs showed significant motor improvement. 🐕💙
According to Tatiana Sampaio, polylaminin works outside the cells, forming a “map” that guides regeneration. Extracted from placentas and modified in the lab to create a mesh, the protein encourages nerve reconnections and the return of signals through damaged axons.
Published in one of the world’s leading veterinary science journals, the study is considered a major breakthrough in spinal cord injury research and is now awaiting approval from Anvisa to advance to human clinical trials.
🔬🐾 Science saves lives — and restores movement.
