Spidersilk fibers as scaffold for tissue engineering: skin regeneratin and wound healing

Project Information

SEEVIX Phase-1

Grant agreement ID: 815882

DOI

10.3030/815882

Project closed

EC signature date 9 May 2018

Start date 1 March 2018

End date 31 August 2018

Funded under

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

SEEVIX MATERIAL SCIENCES LTD
Israel

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SEEVIX Phase-1 (Spidersilk fibers as scaffold for tissue engineering: skin regeneratin and wound healing)

Reporting period: 2018-03-01 to 2018-08-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Seevix is a biotech company producing high strength spidersilk fibers, identical to natural fibers. Through recombinant DNA technologies, we are unique in our ability to replicate the natural process of spidersilk creation. We induce the natural self-assembly process of the proteins composing the fibers, thereby directly generating actual spidersilk, and do not need to purify or artificially spin those proteins into fibers. Seevix targets medical applications where the combination of the fibers’ extraordinary properties and biocompatibility can radically improve existing products and provide solutions for unmet medical needs. Based on our SVX™ fiber technology, Seevix developed SVX™gro, a unique 3D cell culture scaffold that is biocompatible, non-toxic and has many beneficial effects on cell culture, promoting cell proliferation and function. The objective of this project was to assess whether our technology could tap into unmet medical needs in the wound care field. We hypothesized that due to our fibers’ mechanical benefits and biocompatibility, we could apply SVX to develop a scaffold-based skin substitute to support healing of chronic wounds and burns. These segments of the wound market cost society tens of billions of dollars each year. In addition, innovation in the market is slow and novel approaches are eagerly sought after.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Seevix performed an initial market research and held discussions with surgeons to map unmet needs in the tissue engineering and wound care market. We analyzed the fit of Seevix’s scaffold technology to these needs. We studied the regulatory framework and reimbursement environment, and performed an extensive risk analysis considering the technological, operational and financial aspects for successful product launch. We have developed a risk mitigation plan, a detailed workplan up to launch and an improved business plan for execution.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

We expect that our products will expedite skin graft availability, improve wound healing for patients, reducing the cost burden to the health system and improve handling of skin grafts for surgeons. In terms of employment, the project is expected to create a total of 36 FTEs between 2019-2024.

For more information and updates, visit www.seevix.com or follow us on Twitter (@SeevixMS) or LinkedIn
Seevix’s commercially available product, SVX™gro, is a spidersilk based scaffold for 3D tissue culture, and forms the basis for our wound healing products.

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