The University of Sheffield

<p><strong>Overview:</strong></p>
<p>The University of Sheffield is a world top-100 university renowned for the excellence, impact and distinctiveness of its research-led learning and teaching. The University’s outstanding performance for excellent teaching and research, as part of a genuinely global community, is consistently confirmed by international independent assessments.</p>
<p>The university takes its public and social responsibility seriously. It is committed to making the world a better place. This approach is embedded in everything they do, from partnerships with local and global organisations to their research and teaching.</p>
<p><strong>Research:</strong></p>
<p>The University of Sheffield has a global reputation for world-leading research that makes a difference. It influences policy, changes lives and helps in understanding the world so that we can make it better. The university has over 180 research institutes, centres and groups. They address challenges from finding a cure for motor neurone disease to building a sustainable economic recovery. The research institutes and centres at the university have been created to address global challenges facing society, today and in the future. They are often interdisciplinary, with external collaboration and funding, and have earned international recognition.</p>
<p>The world-class research being undertaken at the University of Sheffield generates a wealth of new knowledge, much of which has the potential for licensing to innovative organisations seeking to augment their current activities or diversify their operations.</p>
<p><strong>Industry Partnerships:</strong></p>
<p>The University of Sheffield is collaborating with partners in the private, public and third sectors to find real-world solutions to real-world problems.</p>
<p>The university partners with organisations large and small, believing that by working together, we can find novel solutions to real-world problems. In their experience, it leads to world-class research and commercial success to businesses around the world. Together, The University of Sheffield shares knowledge, facilities and industry insight to help influence cultural, social, economic and political change.</p>


<h1 id="background">Background</h1>
<p>Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a rare condition where the small intestine is so short in length, patients cannot absorb water and nutrients through normal eating and drinking. Patients are fed directly into their veins which can cause long-term and life-threatening illnesses. SBS can be acquired in later life due to the consequences of other treatments such as cancer radiation treatment. Some patients are born with the disease. If left untreated, SBS can lead to dehydration and malnutrition which can be life-threatening.</p>
<p>SI.ReGrow is an implant designed to optimally generate new and functional bowel tissue. This will allow patients to be able to eat and drink normally and reduce the threat of  life-threatening illnesses. The implant is configurable for the bowel size of both children and adults.</p>
<h1 id="technology-overview">Technology Overview</h1>
<p>SI.ReGrow uses a technique known as mechanical distraction-induced enterogenesis, applying gradual tensioning of tissue to the correct amount over time. This implant is temporarily placed into the small intestine to lengthen the intestine tissue. The device is programmed to gradually expand, resulting in stimulating new, healthy, and functional tissue regeneration. The low-profile implant can lengthen the intestine up to 300% in a single operation. SI.ReGrow can be remotely and actively controlled by the clinical team and can report on progress to allow for real-time monitoring of the implant.</p>
<h1 id="benefits">Benefits</h1>
<ul>
<li><strong>More effective treatment</strong> - our implant delivers on a permanent improvement allowing patients to drink and eat normally when compared to treatment with lifelong drugs or maintenance therapies.</li>
<li><strong>Patient monitoring</strong> - the implant can provide feedback to the clinical care team whilst in use.</li>
<li><strong>Adaptable</strong> - the device can be configured pre-implantation to the patients lengthening needs, it dynamically responds to the patient whilst implanted to provide the optimal lengthening conditions for generating healthy new tissue. The device can even be deactivated and restarted if there are safety concerns which need to be investigated.</li>
<li><strong>Soft and flexible</strong> - easy to handle and comfortable for the patient whilst in place, it also reduces the tissue scar.</li>
</ul>
<h1 id="applications">Applications</h1>
<p>The implant is aimed at curing SBS. It can also be adapted to provide treatment for other short length tubular organ illnesses such as long-gap oesophageal atresia.</p>
<h1 id="opportunity">Opportunity</h1>
<ul>
<li>Seeking development partners particularly those with expertise in surgical, endoscopic, and gastro-intestinal medical devices.</li>
<li>Licensing</li>
</ul>
