26 July 2007 - Article by Nottingham Evening Post

Nottingham scientists look set to revolutionise treatments for patients with bone defects and fractures. Biotech company RegenTec has developed what it calls a "world-first technology" - a unique injectable polymer that works with drugs and stem cells to stimulate the regeneration of tissue. The polymer forms a highly porous structure or scaffold which solidifies and encourages new tissue to grow through and around it. The drug or stem cell in the polymer can be changed depending on the treatment required. While the new injectable material will initially be used for bones, RegenTec managing director Dr Robin Quirk says it will generate huge opportunities in curing patients who have lost the function of key tissue including liver, heart and nerves. RegenTec, based at BioCity Nottingham, was today awarded nearly £1m by the Wellcome Trust to take it to the next stage of its development so that it can be used in practice by doctors. The advantage of the product is that it is minimally invasive to the body.
Dr Quirk said: "This is clinically attractive as operation and rehabilitation times are potentially shortened. "The porous architecture, proteins and cells are precisely located at a site within the body without the surgeon requiring prior knowledge of the defect size or shape. The material then gradually degrades away, leaving only the newly formed bone tissue." RegenTec has registered a number of patents and now aims to translate the research into products which it hopes will be available in clinics within three years. The first product will be used to replace bone grafting which has numerous problems including a short supply of host bone and chronic post operative pain. RegenTec plans to launch its first product, Injectabone, in the US and European markets for use by orthopaedic surgeons. The company will then diversify, using the polymer for the treatment of many diseases. Dr Quirk said: "Regenerative medicine is a hugely exciting world-wide industry that promises to radically improve many aspects of clinical practice. We have a world first technology that has a remarkable range of future uses."