The Engineer

Bioresorbable material specialists raise £3.4m

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A UK university spin-out targeting the US market with its bioresorbable material has raised £3.4m in a Series A investment.

4Degra is a patent protected resorbable photocurable resin based on polycarbonate urethane chemistry
4Degra is a patent protected resorbable photocurable resin based on polycarbonate urethane chemistry - AdobeStock

4D Medicine, a spin-out from the Universities of Birmingham and Warwick, has been backed by Oshen Holdings, DSW Ventures, SFC Capital, Boundary Capital and private investors. It will enable 4D to complete pre-clinical testing of its first product range and seek FDA clearance for entry into the US market.

4D’s biomaterial is said to have the potential for use in a range of 3D printed implants and surgical devices. 

In a statement, Doug Quinn, partner at DSW Ventures, said: “4D’s novel biomaterial platform opens up new possibilities for implants and devices. The company has already attracted attention from large industry players, including a potential acquirer. This funding will enable it to apply for regulatory clearance in the US and target opportunities in the £5bn market for resorbable medical devices.”

The company’s product -  a photocurable resin called 4Degra - is a resorbable biomaterial being used to develop implants such as orthopaedic devices or soft tissue scaffolds to help patients recovering from surgery or injuries. Preliminary testing has shown that as healing progresses, the biomaterial gradually erodes and is resorbed by normal metabolic processes as natural tissue grows back in its place.

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With some materials, the entire product breaks down rapidly, creating acidic by-products that can cause pain, inflammation and cysts. According to 4D, 4Degra degrades gradually, starting from the surface, and does not release harmful acidic by-products.

4Degra can be cast or 3D printed to create complex geometries and, as it can be produced in soft and hard formulations, has the potential to be used for flexible products such as membranes, or where a more rigid product is required such as bone scaffolds.

4D Medicine was founded in 2020 as a spin-out from the Universities of Birmingham and Warwick and is now based in Nottingham. The latest funding brings the total raised to date to £5m. The company is now preparing to raise a Series B investment early next year.

4D CEO Philip Smith said: “The funds will be used to complete the pre-clinical testing of our first medical device product range and our preparations for entry into the orthopaedic market.”

Bioresorbable materials