John Healey visits Sheffield University's enterprising spin out companies

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury, John Healey MP, will today visit one of the University of Sheffield’s most enterprising spin out companies in a visit which will look at the University’s approach to enterprise and intellectual property (IP).

Celltran Ltd, a wound-care company, is developing a revolutionary new product through tissue engineering the patient’s own cells to treat chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers and those caused by burns and has recently raised £2.7m funding to further develop its work.

The company is part of the Biofusion portfolio. Established in 2002 Biofusion works in partnership with the University of Sheffield to commercialise university-generated intellectual property. In January 2005 Biofusion signed a 10-year agreement with the University of Sheffield to commercialise all the University-owned medical IP.

Mr Healey will hold discussions with Doug Liversidge CBE and David Baynes, Chairman and Chief Executive of Biofusion, before visiting staff and taking a tour of Celltran’s laboratories with Chief Executive Mal Jarmolowicz.

John Healey said:

“Biofusion and Celltran are both great examples of how universities can harness their research to promote enterprise and develop skills which in turn encourage regional growth. Celltran has a unique product that will help many people and it is encouraging to see how this has developed, with the support of Biofusion, from initial research at Sheffield University to the company as it is today.”

Notes for editors

1. John Healey is visiting Sheffield University and Biofusion on Tuesday 20 September 2005.

2. Celltran was established in 2000 by Professors Sheila MacNeil and Robert Short at the University of Sheffield and combines the disciplines of wound healing and advanced polymeric materials to create new spheres of activity in tissue regeneration and repair. www.celltran.co.uk

3. An AIM listed company, Biofusion was founded in 2002 to commercialise university intellectual property. In January 2005 Biofusion signed a 10-year exclusive agreement with the University of Sheffield to commercialise all the University owned medical IP. www.biofusion.co.uk

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