By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : May 30, 2026 5:22 pm
Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology Madras have developed an innovative injectable hydrogel that could significantly improve the treatment of fibrosis and other chronic degenerative diseases by replacing weeks of repeated medication with a single localized dose.
The breakthrough technology, developed at the Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials Laboratory of the Department of Biotechnology, is designed to deliver antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory drugs directly to affected tissues in a sustained and controlled manner.
Researchers estimate the treatment could reduce therapy costs from approximately USD 2,000–3,000 per course to around USD 300, making advanced fibrosis care substantially more affordable and accessible.
A key differentiator of the patented hydrogel is its composition, which combines naturally derived biomaterials sourced from silk cocoons and seaweed. The biodegradable and biocompatible materials not only support tissue regeneration but also align with India's strengths in sericulture and the emerging seaweed-based bioeconomy.
Unlike conventional therapies that often require prolonged treatment and can cause systemic side effects, the smart hydrogel is engineered to respond to disease-related inflammation. It releases higher drug doses when inflammation levels rise and gradually degrades over time without leaving harmful residues.
The research team has also conducted a first-of-its-kind omics study demonstrating that the hydrogel can inhibit fibrosis progression by regulating cellular metabolism and mechanical properties, offering a new approach to managing chronic fibrotic disorders.
The findings have been published in the scientific journals ACS Applied Bio Materials and Materials Today Bio. The research was led by Varshiny Gopinath and Prof. Vignesh Muthuvijayan in collaboration with Prof. Mahadevan Rajasekaran.
Explaining the significance of the work, Prof. Vignesh Muthuvijayan said: "Fibroproliferative diseases, including pulmonary, liver, kidney and muscle fibrosis, are linked to nearly 45% of deaths globally. Existing treatments often require prolonged drug administration, can cause significant side effects and are frequently unable to stop disease progression effectively at the targeted site."
Varshiny Gopinath added: "The newly-developed platform seeks to address these limitations through a minimally invasive injectable therapy that converts from liquid to gel at body temperature, conforming precisely to the treatment site. Once administered, it can remain active locally for several days, reducing the need for repeated oral or systemic dosing."
IIT Madras is exploring commercialization pathways through technology transfer, industry licensing, and potential startup creation.