Andrzej Fertala, PhD

Biomet Professor of Orthopaedic Research at Thomas Jefferson University

Speaker

Dr. Andrzej Fertala is a Professor of Orthopaedic Research at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. His primary research interest is in the area of physiology and pathology of the extracellular matrix. Specifically, he focuses on the structure and function of collagenous proteins in health and disease with particular emphasis on collagen fibrillogenesis in fibrotic disorders. Recently, Dr. Fertala and his team have developed a monoclonal antibody that targets the fibrillogenesis process to block the formation of fibrotic scars. They successfully tested this anti-fibrotic approach in animal models of arthrofibrosis and lung fibrosis. In addition to fibrotic diseases, Dr. Fertala researches heritable disorders of connective tissue caused by mutations in collagen genes. The discoveries of Dr. Fertala and his team contributed to patented technologies that include the production of recombinant collagens and the development of anti-fibrotic approaches. Extramural funds from agencies, including the NIH, NASA, and DOD, support Dr. Fertala's studies.-