RegeNer8 - N8 Centre for Translational Regenerative Medicine

The team, led by biotechnology company re:innervate in collaboration with Durham University, picked up one of the two collaborative research and development grants. They have developed technology which allows skin to be grown in a laboratory, this can then be used to test drugs and cosmetics and should lead to a reduction in animal testing.

Dr Stefan Przybowski, re:innervate’s chief scientific officer, said: “I am delighted to receive this funding from regeNer8 and for our work to be recognised in this way. This grant is fundamental in our ability to carry out product development and bring it to market.”

The second collaborative research and development grant was awarded to Dr Mary Herbert from Newcastle University, for her work on a novel bio-processing system for cellular therapy.

Technology validation grants were awarded to Dr Xuebin Yang from the University of Leeds whose team has combined three technologies to provide an innovative approach to regenerative medicine which minimises the risk of infection; and Dr Paul Genever from the University of York for his project which isolates mesenchymal stem cells from different tissues with the aim of turning them into bone structures for use as 3D bone replacements.

These grants bring the total number of funded projects to seven, following the announcement of the initial round of funding opportunities at regeNer8’s first anniversary celebration in January. The funding is aimed to support early stage applied research and development projects.

Established by N8 through the Northern Way initiative, to promote scientific, social and economic development in the North of England, regeNer8 is a virtual centre that brings together the work of the North of England’s top scientists to advance and accelerate the development of regenerative therapies and bring them through to clinic and market.

Regenerative medicine aims to replace or repair diseased or damaged body parts. It is a highly multidisciplinary area incorporating aspects of engineering, cell biology and materials science and encompasses stem cell therapy, tissue engineering, regenerative drugs and devices.

Roland Jurke, chair of the steering group for regeNer8 said: “Congratulations to the recipients of regeNer8’s latest funding grants. These scientists are leaders in regenerative medicine and their research is paving the way for future solutions to meet medical needs. Their work is providing real value to patients and healthcare providers.

“I’m delighted to participate in regeNer8 which is a groundbreaking initiative bringing together eight of the Northern universities with industry. Together we have the opportunity to capitalise on the research expertise which exists through collaborative industry-led projects. This in turn will benefit the North of England by providing a much needed boost to the local economy.”

Members of the Centre include scientists within industry and academia, and clinicians, who work collaboratively in regenerative medicine. The Centre is directed by Professor John Fisher at the University of Leeds and is managed from the University of Leeds with project management support from Newcastle-based CBSL and BITECIC in Leeds.