MetalloBio and Sheffield Hallam University are Awarded MRC Funding to Develop a Medical Device Coating

MetalloBio and Sheffield Hallam University have secured £46,631 Confidence in Concept funding from the Medical Research Council (MRC) to develop a novel antimicrobial coating for medical devices. The team at MetalloBio will work closely with Dr Tim Nichol in The Department of Biological Sciences and Professor Tom Smith from The Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University.

The funds will be used to develop a sol-gel coating containing MetalloBio’s two antimicrobial lead compounds. The company is seeking to attract further investment, funding and/or partnerships to develop the coatings for use in medical devices.

Based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, MetalloBio is focussing on the development of novel antimicrobials to treat pathogenic, multi-drug resistant, Gram-negative bacterial infections. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health threat. Currently AMR is responsible for 700,000 annual fatalities, it is predicted by 2050 this could rise to 10 million deaths per year costing a £66 trillion loss to the global economy.

MetalloBio will be exploring the development of the technology as a systemic antimicrobial and a coating within medical devices. Antimicrobials are required to prevent biofilm formation on medical devices such as catheters, stents, endotracheal tubes and prosthetic limbs.

Kirsty Smitten, CEO of MetalloBio, said: “We’re incredibly excited about this project. The MRC funding will facilitate a new R&D partnership between MetalloBio and Sheffield Hallam University. Additionally, the funding will allow us to complete fundamental proof-of-concept studies that can be leveraged to secure further funding, facilitate future partnerships and further develop the technology.”

For further information contact:

MetalloBio Limited

Kirsty Smitten

email: metallobio@gmail.com