The CURE research team, led by Prof. Marta Pokrywczyńska, is at the forefront of regenerative medicine, combining cutting-edge science with a clear vision of translating laboratory discoveries into clinical solutions that improve patients’ lives. The team’s research spans advanced therapies, tissue engineering, extracellular vesicles and non-invasive diagnostics, all driven by one overarching goal: developing personalized medical technologies that address unmet clinical needs.
The foundation of the team’s success lies in interdisciplinary collaboration. Modern regenerative medicine requires far more than expertise in a single scientific discipline. Biotechnologists, clinicians, molecular biologists, engineers, biomaterials specialists, and analytical chemists work side by side, integrating their knowledge to solve complex medical challenges. — Prof. Pokrywczyńska
Beyond scientific excellence, researchers must understand clinical practice, regulatory requirements, GMP-compliant manufacturing, project management and the principles of translational medicine that enable innovative discoveries to reach patients.
One of the team’s most promising research areas focuses on extracellular vesicles (EVs) – naturally occurring membrane-bound particles released by cells that carry proteins, RNA, microRNA and other signaling molecules. These biological messengers play an essential role in tissue regeneration, immune regulation and cellular communication. The CURE team is investigating EVs both as therapeutic agents capable of promoting healing and reducing inflammation and as a rich source of biomarkers for the early detection of urological cancers. Their potential to support safe, scalable, cell-free therapies positions them among the most exciting innovations in personalized medicine.
Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) represent another major pillar of the team’s research. These innovative therapies use cells, tissues, or genetic material to regenerate damaged organs rather than simply treating symptoms. Among the team’s flagship projects is SUICell, a cell-based therapy developed for patients suffering from stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy. In parallel, the ANFIBIOM project explores extracellular vesicle-based biological products designed to modulate wound healing by reducing inflammation and fibrosis. To facilitate clinical translation, the team has established a certified Cell and Tissue Bank and a GMP-compliant ATMP Manufacturing Facility, creating the infrastructure necessary to develop therapies that meet the highest regulatory standards.
Prof. Marta Pokrywczyńska has devoted her scientific career to reconstructive urology, particularly urinary bladder regeneration.
Years of iterative research have led to the development of UROGRAFT®, a bioconfigurable implant designed to stimulate biological regeneration of the urinary bladder wall. Following successful preclinical studies, the technology has the potential to become one of the first commercially available regenerative implants for bladder reconstruction. The team is now integrating advanced biomaterials, mesenchymal stromal cells, extracellular vesicles and computational modeling to create personalized implants tailored to individual patients. — Prof. Pokrywczyńska
The CURE team is also pioneering non-invasive diagnostic approaches based on metabolomics and volatilomics. By analyzing metabolites and volatile organic compounds present in urine, researchers aim to identify chemical signatures associated with bladder and prostate cancers. Such biomarkers could enable earlier diagnosis, more precise monitoring of treatment response and prediction of disease recurrence using simple urine samples, reducing the need for invasive procedures.
Equally important is the team’s commitment to educating the next generation of scientists. Students, PhD candidates and early-career researchers are actively involved in designing projects, publishing scientific papers, securing research funding and developing innovative technologies. Prof. Pokrywczyńska believes that scientific progress depends not only on groundbreaking discoveries but also on creating an environment where young researchers can develop independence, resilience, creativity and leadership:
Looking ahead, the CURE team envisions a future in which regenerative therapies, personalized diagnostics and advanced biological products become part of routine clinical practice. Beyond the technologies themselves, the team’s greatest legacy may be the highly skilled researchers it prepares to shape the next generation of medical innovation. — Prof. Pokrywczyńska
