Epistem announces further partnership with The University of Manchester

The team, led by Dr Matthew Hardman have been awarded an MRC Industry Collaboration Agreement (MICA) grant from the UK Medical Research Council to help fund the investigations. Chronic delayed wound healing is most often found in the elderly and those with diabetes.

Due to the increasingly aged population and rising incidence of diabetes the frequency of chronic wounds is increasing. However, there are very limited treatments available.

The research, which investigates the role of specific inflammatory mediators produced by macrophages, is intended to lead to new preclinical models to evaluate potential new therapies in this area, as well as generate new therapeutic opportunities.

Dr Hardman is a world-leading expert in the molecular and cellular aspects of pathological healing and heads a multi-disciplinary research group within the Manchester Healing Foundation Centre for Tissue Regeneration at the University.

Epistem’s Contract Research Services Division provides specialised preclinical and scientific research services to drug development and personal care companies in the areas of oncology, mucositis, inflammation (inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis), wound healing and skincare. Epistem are experienced in commercialising new technologies and the partnership will allow the Company to expand its existing range of wound healing models.

Epistem managing director Catherine Booth said: "We are delighted to be working with Dr Hardman again, who is a highly regarded wound healing expert, and to be able to provide our customers with access to cutting edge preclinical models."