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For immediate release
Oct. 16, 2006
Park tenant, Tissue Technologies, receives NIH grant
Richmond Va. – Virginia BioTechnology Research Park tenant, Tissue Technologies, was recently awarded a $100,000 Phase I SBIR grant from the National Institutes of Health for the development of a bedside diagnostic strip that will lead the care giver to treat chronic wounds more effectively.
“Some of the treatments that are currently on the market for chronic wounds can be extremely expensive and, unfortunately, are often used on wounds that simply won’t benefit from them,” commented Kel Cohen, M.D., president and CEO of Tissue Technologies. “Our diagnostic strip will help medical professionals evaluate the best treatment options for their patient’s wounds.”
According to Cohen, the diagnostic strip can test the level of proteases in the wound. These are the enzymes found at high concentrations in chronic wounds. While these enzymes play an important role in tissue synthesis and degradation in normal wounds, chronic wounds produce too much protease, resulting in substantial healing problems. Specifically, high protease levels in chronic wound fluid delays the wound healing process by degrading newly formed tissue and growth factor proteins.
By using these “litmus” type testing strips, the doctor or nurse can determine protease levels to better evaluate what treatments will be most effective. It also can be used to monitor protease levels during and after treatment to ensure healing is occurring as expected.
“We are very excited about the results of our preliminary studies and the potential applications of this product,” commented Cohen.
In addition to the diagnostic strip, Tissue Technologies recently announced the FDA approval of a new product for dressing chronic wounds, which could potentially promote healing by eliminating the elevated levels of protease in chronic wound fluid.
About the Park:
Situated on 34 acres adjacent to Virginia Commonwealth University’s medical campus, the Park is currently home to a unique mix of more than 55 technology companies, research institutes affiliated with the VCU Medical Center, and major state and national medical laboratories. After completion of the new $350 million Philip Morris USA Center for Research and Technology, the Park will encompass 1.2 million square feet of space in nine buildings and employ more than 2,000 industry professionals.
Contact:
Nicky Colomb
Virginia BioTechnology Research Park
Phone: (804) 828-6884
E-mail: ncolomb@vabiotech.com
Web site: www.vabiotech.com
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