4D Medicine has raised £3.4 million in Series A investment to continue developing biomaterials for 3D-printed implants and surgical devices.
A spinout from the Universities of Birmingham and Warwick – and now headquartered in Nottingham – 4D has developed a resorbable biomaterial, 4Degra, that is being used to develop implants such as orthopaedic devices or soft tissue scaffolds to help patients recovering from surgery or injuries.
Preliminary testing has shown that as healing progresses, the biomaterial gradually erodes and is resorbed by normal metabolic processes as natural tissue grows back in its place.
The funding round was led by Oshen Holdings and backed by DSW Ventures, SFC Capital, Boundary Capital and private investors including several leading scientists and surgeons.
It will enable the company to complete pre-clinical testing of its first product range and seek FDA clearance for entry into the US market.
Founded in 2020, the latest funding brings the total raised to date to £5m. The company is now preparing to raise a Series B investment early next year.
“I would like to thank all our investors for their trust and support,” said CEO Philip Smith. “Our success in continuing to raise investment despite the difficult market conditions over the last few years is testament to their belief in the company’s commercial potential and our world-class team.
“The funds will be used to complete the pre-clinical testing of our first medical device product range and our preparations for entry into the orthopaedic market.”
Didier Cowling, partner at Oshen Holdings, added: “We were delighted to lead this deal and we look forward to working with the 4D team.
“The company is now poised to make a substantial impact in the bioresorbable medical device space. We believe that 4Degra is a real game-changer that is enabling 4D to develop novel bioresorbable medical devices with unique properties.”
Doug Quinn, Partner at DSW Ventures, commented: “4D’s novel biomaterial platform opens up new possibilities for implants and devices. The company has already attracted attention from large industry players including a potential acquirer.
“This funding will enable it to apply for regulatory clearance in the US and target opportunities in the £5 billion market for resorbable medical devices.”
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