Swiss researchers evaluate fetal progenitor tenocytes for repairing tendon injuries

Tendon injuries, especially those acquired while engaging in sports, are not easily healed due to the fibrous nature of tendon tissues which transmit forces from muscle to bone and protect surrounding tissues against tension and compression. Tendon injuries to wrists, knees, elbows and rotator cuffs, often from over use when playing golf or tennis, are increasingly common for both professional and amateur athletes (“weekend warriors”) alike.

Previous studies in which human fetal progenitor tenocyte (hFPT) transplantation stimulated regeneration of tendons and expedited the healing process served as the impetus for a recent study conducted by a team of Swiss researchers who characterized hFPTs and evaluated their therapeutic potential.