4D Medicine, a UK-based biotech firm specializing in biomaterials for 3D printed implants and surgical devices, has successfully secured £3.4m in a Series A funding round. This investment will facilitate the completion of pre-clinical testing for their first product range, ultimately aiming for FDA clearance to enter the US market. The company, a spin-out from the Universities of Birmingham and Warwick, is leveraging its novel resorbable biomaterial, 4Degra, in developing advanced medical implants.
Information from earlier reports shows that 4D Medicine has consistently drawn interest from leading industry players and investors, evidenced by their previous funding successes. The company has continued to improve its technology and cement its position in the burgeoning bioresorbable medical device market. Prior investments have been crucial in establishing the firm’s foundational technology and early-stage development, which has now culminated in this significant Series A round.
The new funding round was led by Oshen Holdings and supported by DSW Ventures, SFC Capital, Boundary Capital, and several private investors, including prominent scientists and surgeons. The accumulated £3.4m will support 4D Medicine in completing the pre-clinical testing of its initial product line and pursuing FDA approval for entry into the lucrative US market.
Innovative Biomaterial Technology
4D Medicine has developed a resorbable biomaterial named 4Degra, which shows promise in creating implants such as orthopaedic devices and soft tissue scaffolds. The material degrades gradually without releasing harmful acidic by-products, a significant advantage over current resorbable biomaterials that can cause pain and inflammation. This property of 4Degra facilitates better patient recovery post-surgery or injury.
Expanding Potential Applications
The ability to 3D print 4Degra into complex shapes allows for diverse applications in medical devices, ranging from flexible films and membranes to more rigid products like plates and bone scaffolds. This versatility opens up new possibilities for the development of customized implants tailored to individual patient needs. Since its founding in 2020, 4D Medicine, now based in Nottingham, has raised a total of £5m, with plans to seek Series B investment early next year.
CEO Philip Smith expressed his gratitude towards the investors, emphasizing the importance of their support in the company’s progress, especially under challenging market conditions. The funds will enable the company to move forward with their pre-clinical testing and market entry preparations. Similarly, Didier Cowling from Oshen Holdings highlighted the potential impact of 4D Medicine’s innovations in the bioresorbable medical device sector.
DSW Ventures’ Doug Quinn noted the significant interest from large industry players, including potential acquirers, that 4D Medicine has garnered. This highlights the company’s innovative approach and its potential to secure regulatory clearance in the US, targeting a market worth £5bn. Jason Druker from SFC Capital lauded the progress made by 4D Medicine since their initial investment, showing excitement for the future impact of their medical device products.
4D Medicine’s advancements in biomaterial technology present a promising future for the medical field, especially in creating safer and more effective resorbable implants. Their recent funding success demonstrates strong investor confidence and sets the stage for significant growth and innovation in the coming years. As the company moves towards regulatory clearance and market entry, its technology could revolutionize how medical implants are developed and utilized.
