Experts to share knowledge of commercialising Regenerative Medicine

Posted: 27/07/2011

Some of the UK's experts in the field of regenerative medicine are to due to share best practise on how to commercialise regenerative therapies, at a conference being organised by regeNer8.

RegeNer8 is a partnership of academics from the eight leading research-intensive universities of the North of England (the N8), the regenerative medicine industry and clinicians involved in the application of regenerative therapies in the UK. Its aim is to improve the translation of regenerative therapies to the clinic and the market.

The annual conference, which is entitled 'Delivery of Regenerative Technologies on a Commercial Scale' and takes place in Manchester in September marks regeNer8’s 5th anniversary, and will feature some of the leading Regen Med experts in the UK.

One of the key speakers at the conference is Dr David Haddow, Operations Director of Altrika. Altrika’s key activity is cell culturing service that delivers skin cells to patients in the UK with severe burns and chronic wounds, for whom few treatments are available.

David’s team recently successfully completed the first joint HTA/MHRA inspection in the human therapy sector. David has 10 years commercial experience in the cell therapy sector.

He comments: “I think it is great that an organisation such as regeNer8 is bringing together the different disciplines and people involved in regenerative medicine, so we can discuss ways of working together in order to bring regenerative therapies to the clinic more quickly. On the day I will be talking about the development and production of biomaterials and advanced surfaces for regenerative therapies, speaking from my experience and also hope to open discussion on the subject. There is a wealth of expertise in the UK; the key is tapping into this and collaboration between academia, industry and the NHS.” 

Another key speaker will be Cathy Prescott, Founder and Director of Biolatris Ltd and UK Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Networks Chair.

Cathy has over 20 years of experience in research, management and business within the life-science and venture capital sectors. Cathy will present and open discussion on the topic ‘Who benefits, who pays? Who should finance the Regen Med sector?’ Cathy is a recognised opinion leader within the stem cell and regenerative medicine business sector.

John Fisher Director of regeNer8 comments: “Our annual conference features key note speakers from some of the key Regen Med organisations in the UK. Their experience of commercialising Regen Med is invaluable to other companies and researchers wishing to bring their therapies to market. RegeNer8 is focused on encouraging collaboration and some of our funded projects which feature collaborations between industry and academia will be showcased on the day, with those who led the project sharing their experiences.”

Also speaking at the conference will be Angela Scott, Director of Operations of Cell Therapy at Angel Biotechnology. Angela was part of the pioneering team that cloned ‘Dolly the sheep’ and has over 29 years’ background in stem cell research and the application of cutting edge cell therapy. Angela has contributed to the transition of several cell therapy products from the bench to bedside.

The annual conference, which is entitled 'Delivery of Regenerative Technologies on a Commercial Scale,' takes place at the Lowry Theatre and Art Gallery complex on Salford Quays, Manchester on 29 September and costs £45 + VAT & fees to attend. Please visit www.regener8.ac.uk to register.