A Natural Biomaterial for Tissue Repair

New Market Opportunity
Any resection of the body wall for surgical correction of cancer, traumas or after radiotherapy requires reconstruction of the same wall with a prosthetic material to protect the critical structures, maintain the function with aesthetically acceptable results. At present this need is highly underserved by products that were launched over two decades ago. Most of these products do not have a history of success. Failure of the implant often necessitates a re-operative procedure for the already traumatised patient.

Background
All wounds present a challenge to all health care providers. The functional environment and organs housed within the body are intolerant to defect and require expedient and precise repair. The most common clinical problems that require reconstruction are grouped into two general categories, acquired and congenital defects. Acquired defects include those arising from tumor’s (primary or recurrent), infection, radiation injury and trauma.

Technology Description
This technology developed by NUI, Galway, focuses on the design of a soft tissue augmentation prosthetic mesh based on tissue architecture, soft tissue dynamics and cellular communication. Specifically, a prosthesis that would aid in the reconstruction of the body wall is under development. The biodegradable mesh which underpins the prosthesis, is a naturally derived, extracellular matrix (ECM), which encourages rebuilding and repair damaged tissue. The matrix is biocompatible, easy to handle and can be sterilized to eliminate pathogens. This single-layer matrix provides strength through a complex organization of naturally occurring protein, that forms a fibrous matrix with a three-dimensional structure that acts as a scaffold for host tissue remodeling of the damaged site with host tissue. The integrity of the repair is maintained and the new tissue becomes completely independent.

Principal Investigator: Prof. Abhay Pandit, NUI, Galway. Competitive Advantage The competing products and technologies are Small intestinal submucosa (SIS) owned by Cook Biotech Incorporated and urinary bladder submucosa (UBS)
ACell, Inc.

- The single layer ECM which forms the basis of this technology, has similar burst strengths as the two-layer SIS
- Like SIS and UBS, our ECM may also be layered to increase its strength even further for desired clinical applications.
- Our ECM exhibits a faculty for large distensions.

IP status
IP relating to the biodegradable matrix origin and structure is the subject of US Patent application. An Irish patent application has also has been filed relating to the same IP.

Type of Business Sought
NUI, Galway are interested in entering into licensing agreements and partnerships to develop this platform ECM scaffold for a variety of clinical applications including treatment for wound care, burn management, hernia repair, urological procedures and general surgery.

Type of Offer: Licensing



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