QualiMed "Biodegradable Stent Technology Platform" to be Used for "BIOMAGSCAR"
HAMBURG, Germany, February 7, 2012/PRNewswire/ -- QualiMed Innovative Medizinprodukte GmbH is pleased to announce it has received notice of the award to participate in the EUR5.3M EU Framework Programme 7 Grant with a consortium of Universities including elements of the Yale-UCL Research Collaborative (Departments of Yale University (Cardiology), University College London (UCL) and Queen Mary College London) and the University of Eastern Finland as well as a small group of companies focused on this research programme over a four year period. The programme is focused on the development of leading edge biotechnology in the coronary stent area including the potential use of biodegradable polymers and alloys combined with new methods of enhancing arterial regenerative potential to deliver novel innovative therapeutics to patients suffering from heart disease.
The successful grant application was one of an estimated 40+ applications from across Europe
The grant will fund research that combines the technologies of the participating companies and Universities including but not limited to:
1) QualiMed's Biodegradable, Stent, Coating, and other know-how for
implantable devices and delivery for use in the Cardiology, Peripheral Vascular, Non
Vascular, Orthopaedic, and General Surgical Areas
2) Ark Therapeutics Group plc. (AKT:LSE) technology and know-how concerning
adenoviral-delivered gene therapeutics, which will be delivered to the coronary artery
after heart attack to restore the integrity of the artery; and
3) Use of pro-healing magnetic innovative app targeting approaches from Magnus
Inventions Ltd.
4) UCL's novel method for improving endothelial regeneration in the stented
artery.
The objective will be to stimulate a healing process such that a Biodegradable Regenerative Stent "BRS" will undergo a predictable degradation to leave a wholly biologically healed artery through regeneration of native tissues.
The research programme is scheduled to commence in February 2012. QualiMed will receive almost EUR700k for its contribution to the project.
Eric Mangiardi, Board of Directors of Qualimed commented: "This EU funded project showcases QualiMeds biodegradable capabilities for implantable devices in combination with a number of novel leading edge technologies in the areas of Magnetism, Gene, and Stem Cell Therapy. We are very excited to participate with this esteemed group of partner and this tremendous opportunity to push the limits of science and technology to improve the treatment outcomes for patients with cardiac disease. "
Professor John Martin, Chief Scientific Officer at Ark commented: "Heart disease is the biggest market for new biotechnology with a large continuing unmet medical need. These inventions offer new hope for a disease from which over half the population suffers from during their lifetime."
QualiMed Innovative Medizinprodukte GmbH
QualiMed was founded in 1997 in Winsen, Germany near Hamburg, where it develops, manufactures, and sells implantable medical devices in the Cardiology, Peripheral Vascular, Non Vascular, Orthopaedic, and General Surgical Areas. The innovations are focused primarily in the Biodegradable Products, Drug Device Combination, Catheter, and Mechanical implant areas. Originally founded as an OEM, the company's products are now sold in over 40 countries worldwide through its OEM, Private Label, and Own Brand Networks. The company and its development partners have obtained CE and FDA approvals for more than 70 different products including 3 different drug eluting stents. QualiMed expects its next generation drug device combination and biodegradable technologies to receive regulatory approvals during the next 12 months
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For further information please contact:
QualiMed Innovative Medizinprodukte Tel: +49(0)417165780 office
GmbH +49(0)1722439649 Mobile
Eric K Mangiardi, Board of Directors