Business Opportunity

A novel tissue repair technology developed at the University of New South Wales presents a tremendous licensing opportunity for a company with existing expertise in the tissue repair and wound healing sector.

UNSW scientists have developed a proprietary laser activated polysaccharide adhesive system that has been demonstrated in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo.  This polysaccharide adhesive system is an alternative to albumin solders and other biological glues, and alleviates many of their associated disadvantages.

This novel tissue repair technology demonstrates:

• Water insolubility

• Flexibility

• High repair strength

• Biocompatibility

• Excellent properties for use in minimally invasive

  surgery

The Market

This technology is based on chitosan (deacetylated chitin). The key characteristics of chitosan – the second most frequently used biomaterial after collagen - include non-toxicity, biodegradability, and antimicrobial activity. Applications include: minimal invasive surgery, targeting soft tissues such as nerves, lungs, liver, and bladder; bones and cartilage; and in-situ drug delivery of antibiotics, growth factors, genes, and other therapeutic agents.

The global market for tissue sealants is estimated at

US$497 million for 2009, with an ACGR of 8%.

Significant market players are J&J, Baxter Healthcare,

and Tyco.