CGT Catapult supports transition of Regenerative Medicine Initiative

Birmingham based medical technology company Mica Biosystems is collaborating with the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult) to take novel technologies and concepts through to clinical trials.

MICA have developed a platform that uses patented nanotechnology to control a patient’s stem cells, in situ, to repair or replace damaged or diseased tissue. The company’s first application of this technology is in spinal fusion, a type of spinal repair, requiring an out-patient intervention using just two needles and a take-home bandage.

Future plans are to apply this technology to the field of regenerative medicine with potential applications for arthritis, tendon repair, osteoporosis, spinal cord repair and a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. In the words of MICA’s Managing Director, Dr.Alicia El Haj: “Stem cell therapy will be brought from the fringes to the forefront of treatment options.”

This collaboration with the CGT Catapult will prove to be key for MICA as they engage with the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to ensure a smooth transition into and through future clinical trials.

Dr. Michal Zurawski, Chief Executive Officer at MICA Biosystems said: “This collaboration will provide a boost to ensure MICA is able to begin clinical trials in a timely manner and, most importantly, allow our technology to reach patients sooner. This new chapter in our development was made possible by an injection of investment from the UK Government and Innovate UK, recognising MICA as a real innovator and disruptor in the space of regenerative medicine. With the expertise and experience of the CGT Catapult, we aim to launch our medicines as an accessible treatment option for millions of patients with a number of life-changing diseases and injuries which currently have limited or no treatment options.”

Matthew Durdy, Chief Executive Officer at Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult added:“Our vision for the CGT Catapult is to help develop a thriving industry delivering life changing advanced therapies to the world. We are looking forward to working with MICA as an innovative company and welcome the support from the Innovate UK EDGE fund that will enable this collaboration to leverage our unique expertise to help bring MICA’s innovative technology solutions to patients.”

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