Regener8 & Neotherix

Project

Neotherix is a regenerative medicine company and is a corporate spin-out (of the global medical device company, Smith & Nephew (S&N)).  Founded in 2007, Neotherix has licensed the technology for producing bioresorbable tissue scaffolds for repairing wounds and other soft tissue injuries from S&N.  The company has a pipeline of EktoTherix™ – for repair of skin cancer excisions and other acute wounds; PhotoTherix™ antimicrobial-loaded scaffold – for repair and management of oral surgical wounds and other soft tissue wounds; RegeniTherix™ – theranostic system for the  treatment and point-of-care testing of problem, non-healing wounds.

Partners

Delivery

The PhotoTherix project arose out of interactions with researchers at the Leeds Dental Institute (LDI) and the University of Bradford.  The company originally sourced funding from the White Rose Health Innovation Partnership scheme which allowed complementary skills to be brought together into a consortium.  Regener8 funding was secured following a successful proof of concept project.

Impact

Technology validation funding from Regener8 has allowed innovation and new advances to be made. Regener8 has also provided Neotherix with access to experts within the University of Bradford and the Leeds Dental Institute, leading to them developing tissue scaffolds for oral surgery in dentistry, which is currently a poorly met clinical need. Neotherix is currently dealing with a great deal of international interest in the products it is developing, particularly from China.

Success

Regener8 funding permitted this SME-Academic consortium to refine the product concept, demonstrate prototypes to practising dentists and develop a business plan.  The product concept has received international interest through the Science Bridges China programme managed by the University of Bradford and discussions are at an advanced stage to commercialise PhotoTherix with manufacturing and distribution in China by a Chinese industry partner in Changzhou and rights for the rest of the world vested in Neotherix.  Currently this has safeguarded one job at Neotherix with others likely to be created over the next two years. The company has been responsible for the granting of over £3.7m in public sector R&D support since its formation.

Testimonial

“The support of Regener8 at both technology validation and market analysis stages, has allowed Neotherix and our partners to build a robust case for further product development and translation to the market.  We are delighted that this has led to an international collaboration and the opening up of new, exciting opportunities in China.”

Dr Mike Raxworthy, CEO at Neotherix