Dowell Spinal Fusogens Financing

1. Problem

The Dowell team submitted a project proposal to HydraDAO. After careful consideration and two peer reviews, HydraCore deems it in the interest of HydraDAO’s community.

2. Solution

Dowell is a research group operating at the forefront of spinal cord neurosurgery research. The proposal outlines a groundbreaking approach to spinal cord injury (SCI) repair, focusing on axonal fusion therapies that could restore motor function and neural connectivity. This effort leverages advanced fusogens, neuroprotective strategies, and bioengineered scaffolds to achieve functional recovery after complete spinal cord transection. Key innovations include PEG-chitosan formulations for structural stabilization, photopolymerizable variants for enhanced adhesion, and neuroprotection techniques such as localized hypothermia and apoptosis inhibitors. The team has demonstrated promising results in preclinical models, including rodents, rabbits, and swine, with motor function recovery observed post-SCI. The next phase involves optimizing these formulations for consistency and scalability, aiming to transition from experimental research to human clinical trials.

The ultimate goal is to develop a clinically viable and FDA-approved treatment for acute SCI, addressing a condition that currently has no curative options. The research team emphasizes the socioeconomic impact of SCI, which affects millions globally and imposes significant healthcare costs. By restoring mobility and independence for SCI patients, this therapy could transform their quality of life while reducing long-term care expenses.

The research shall be performed in Moscow, Russia, which greatly lowers some fixed costs that would otherwise likely be incurred if the project were to be performed in e.g. the US. The Dowell team has secured a lab, the needed team, and has included procurement of equipment in the budget requested.

Commercialization Potential

Spinal cord injuries significantly impact patients' quality of life and impose considerable socioeconomic burdens. With approximately 27 million individuals worldwide affected, and annual new cases reaching up to 60,000 in China and between 10,000 and 20,000 in the U.S., the need for effective treatment is urgent.

The therapy could revolutionize emergency neurotrauma care, facilitate spinal segment transplantation, and may also have implications for future applications such as full-body transplants.

The immediate market potential for this therapy is substantial. The market for spinal cord injury treatment is significant, with a global annual incidence of approximately 900,000 new cases, of which roughly 300,000 are suitable candidates for fusogen-based therapy. The estimated Total Addressable Market (TAM) exceeds $1 billion annually, with significant revenue opportunities:

• Serviceable Addressable Market (SAM) in highly accessible regions (EU, Australia, UK, Japan, China) is estimated at $150 million annually, assuming 30% adoption.

• Serviceable Obtainable Market (SOM) in the U.S. alone ranges from $60–120 million annually.

Revenue streams include specialized surgical kits priced between $3,500 and $20,000, depending on the market and region. Additionally, comprehensive training and certification for neurosurgeons and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel form a significant secondary revenue source. The commercialization strategy includes developing a comprehensive product ecosystem comprising first-response kits for emergency care, surgical kits for spinal fusion procedures, and rehabilitation protocols to maximize recovery. Training programs for neurosurgeons and emergency responders will ensure the proper application of these technologies. Existing reimbursement frameworks from insurance providers like Medicare further enhance market readiness.

In summary, this proposal not only addresses a critical unmet medical need but also presents a scalable and economically viable solution with transformative potential in both healthcare outcomes and market impact.

IP ownership and benefit to HydraDAO’s Community is substantial. HydraDAO has negotiated to retain 50% of the IP developed throughout the duration of this project.

The project proposal, reviews and accepted alterations

The proposal has been reviewed by peer scientists and clinicians. The Hydra community may find the complete proposal here.

Based on the reviews and internal expertise, the Hydra team proposed the following alterations to the project proposal:

• Monitor Immune Response to PEG formulations: Implement blood biomarker monitoring to measure immune activation and potential responses to the formulations.

• Emphasize Proper Controls: Include control with pure PEG groups to establish baselines for variability.

• Functional Assessments: Add additional electrophysiology experiments or tracing dyes to assess connectivity between the brain and lower spine.

• Enhance Therapeutic Formulations: Incorporate additional neuroprotective compounds into the biomaterial or combine it with other neuroprotective strategies.

• Quantify Axon Growth: Quantify axon growth and connectivity to determine the extent of regeneration.

The Dowell team has accepted all of the above alterations. In addition, HydraDAO shall establish an Advisory Team composed of academics, research scientists, and clinicians from the relevant fields and prominent labs and universities that will provide diverse perspectives and enhance the project's interdisciplinary approach.