EnBIO, a provider of innovative surface coating technology for medical implants today announced the commencement of a research collaboration programme with the UCD School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering.
The objective of the 2-year joint programme which is valued at over €300,000 is to identify additional application areas for EnBIO’s proprietary surface modification technology which can improve patient outcomes following surgical procedures. 80% of the programme cost is being granted-aided through Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Partnership Programme. NovaUCD, the Innovation and Technology Transfer Centre at UCD negotiated this partnership agreement between EnBIO and UCD.
“We are delighted to undertake this joint initiative with the world-wide recognised surface engineering group of UCD. It will further expedite EnBIO’s intensive R&D programme to bring novel surface modification solutions to the market,” according to John O’Donoghue, Founder and Chief Technical Officer, EnBIO.
Dr Denis Dowling, Director, Surface Engineering Group, UCD, said “EnBIO’s implant coating technology offers the possibility of the first significant improvement in orthopeadic implants in over twenty years.” He added, “EnBIO’s growth promoting and antibiotic coating technology for implants has the potential to significantly improve outcomes for patients undergoing procedures such as hip and knee replacement, spinal straightening or bone fixation following accidents.”
ENDS
30 November 2008
EnBIO is a privately-held company, based at Fota Point Business Park, Carraigtwohill, Co. Cork. It is commercialising revolutionary technology for implant surface modification and the application of drugs to such surfaces. The intent is to deliver therapy directly to the surgical site leading to improved patient outcomes. An example is the application of antibiotic coatings to orthopeadic implants to eliminate infections, the most common reason for hip replacement failures. Another application of EnBIO’s technology is to apply drugs of choice to coronary stents.