Zika virus, superbugs and arthritis targeted through £26 million fund - GOV.UK

Sixty seven projects will win a share of £26 million funding available through Biomedical Catalyst 2016, which is run by Innovate UK and the Medical Research Council, and aims to develop

innovative healthcare technologies and processes.

For the first time, Scotland’s economic development agency Scottish Enterprise have also invested in projects. They have provided additional funding to seven Scottish companies, securing

local support for nationally competitive innovations.

Glasgow-based SAW DX will create ‘ultrasonic holograms’ to diagnose sexually transmitted infections much quicker than the current tests allow.

The Native Antigen Company from Oxford are developing a quick and easy test for Zika virus, which differentiates the virus from Dengue Fever and hopes to provide reassurance to millions of

mothers-to-be who live in tropical countries.

Cambridge based Cell Guidance Systems have developed a way to use protein from silk worms to heal cartilage and potentially reduce the need for joint replacement in people with

osteoarthritis.

Micropharm, from Newcastle Emlyn in West Wales are using antibodies produced by sheep to develop a treatment for antibiotic resistant ’superbugs‘, such as Chlostridium difficle.

Supporting the announcements, Chief Executive of Innovate UK Dr Ruth McKernan said:

Our biosciences sector, supported by the Biomedical Catalyst, is a fantastic example of the UK’s joined-up innovation ecosystem in action. Our excellent researchers develop new and novel

treatments and procedures that are then commercialised by our world-class businesses.

Sir John Savill, Chief Executive of the Medical Research Council said:

Julia Brown, Director of Life and Chemical Sciences at Scottish Enterprise added:

We’re working hard to create more opportunities for Scottish businesses to secure business innovation funding. This first-of-its-kind partnership with Innovate UK and the Medical Research

Council is just one way we’re achieving this, while integrating our support with our partners to generate more impact for the Scottish economy.

The Biomedical Catalyst partnership between Innovate UK and the Medical Research Council has provided funding for 384 projects that have led to more than 60 first-in-human studies for

innovative products. The programme has also helped bring more than £1 billion of additional investment into the UK bioscience sector.

In Autumn Statement 2016, the Chancellor Phillip Hammond announced £100 million of additional funding to extend and enhance the Biomedical Catalyst to support life science companies and

translate cutting-edge medical technologies into commercial success.