Written by OneGuild Institute

A brief snapshot of where research teams and innovators focused their energy this year in wound healing and limb preservation.

Biomaterials moving toward bioactivity

2025 saw continued activity around materials designed to modulate the wound microenvironment — including scaffolds incorporating ECM-derived components or materials influencing macrophage phenotype. Several groups published advances in hybrid or “bioactive” biomaterials, and industry pipelines are increasingly oriented toward biologically responsive dressings.

Cell- and vesicle-based approaches maintaining momentum

Interest in mesenchymal-cell therapies, progenitor-derived vesicles, and engineered exosomes remained steady, with multiple early-phase chronic-wound and ischemia trials continuing enrollment internationally. New listings on ClinicalTrials.gov throughout 2025 indicate sustained investment despite the well-known translational hurdles.

Technology-enabled assessment expanding

AI-supported wound characterization was adopted more widely this year, especially within systems prioritizing early identification of non-healing trajectories. Sensor-enabled dressings (temperature, moisture, and perfusion tracking) advanced through later-stage development programs, and electroceutical dressings continued progressing through clinical evaluation.

Translation constraints shaping priorities

Durability, usability, cost, and equitable access remained central themes across both R&D and clinical teams in 2025. Many innovators increasingly integrate these considerations early in development — particularly for technologies intended to influence limb-preservation pathways where clinical realities are complex.

Why we track this

As a connector across science, care delivery, and innovation, OneGuild follows these signals to understand where collaboration can accelerate impact for people at risk of limb loss.


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