The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult has partnered with MICA Biosystems to begin the journey of bringing their revolutionary regenerative medicine technology to the MHRA.
London 10th February 2022: The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult), an independent innovation and technology organisation specialising in the advancement of cell and gene therapies, announces a collaboration with MICA Biosystems (MICA), a Birmingham based medical technology company, to leverage the expertise of the CGT Catapult in taking novel technologies and concepts through to clinical trials.
MICA have developed a ground-breaking platform that uses patented nanotechnology to control a patient’s stem cells, in situ, to repair or replace damaged or diseased tissue. The first application of MICA’s technology is in spinal fusion, a type of spinal repair, with the procedure only requiring an out-patient intervention using just two needles and a take-home bandage.
In the future, the MICA team aims to apply this pioneering new procedure to the field of regenerative medicine and potential applications for the platform include; 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 between the CGT Catapult and MICA, which will prove to be key for MICA as they engage in conversations with the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) where alignment is key to ensure a smooth transition into, and through, future clinical trials.
Dr. Michal Zurawski, Chief Executive Officer at MICA Biosystems comment:
“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 commented:
“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.”
About MICA Biosystems
MICA Biosystems is the world’s first, First-in-Class advanced therapy company, which uses nanotechnology to create a remote-controlled stem cell platform for regenerative medicine.
The company aims to add years to life and life to years across all age groups and in a number of therapeutic areas, by unlocking the potential of stem cells while using the patients’ own cells, with no lengthy, and costly, cell culture process at all. MICA’s technology brings with it the potential to bring regenerative medicine to the forefront of medicine globally, with a venture funding round opening in Q2 2022. For more information, visit www.MICABIOSYSTEMS.co.uk
About the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult
The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult is an independent innovation and technology organisation committed to the advancement of cell and gene therapies with a vision of a thriving industry delivering life changing advanced therapies to the world. Its aim is to create powerful collaborations which overcome challenges to the advancement of the sector. With over 400 experts covering all aspects of advanced therapies, it applies its unique capabilities and assets, collaborates with academia, industry and healthcare providers to develop new technology and innovation. The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult works with Innovate UK. For more information, please visit ct.catapult.org.uk or visit http://www.gov.uk/innovate-uk.
FTI Consulting for CGT Catapult
George Kendrick +44 (0) 203 727 1411/ George.Kendrick@fticonsulting.com
Alexander Davis +44 (0) 203 727 1729 / Alexander.Davis@fticonsulting.com