The University of Sheffield Background
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.
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.
Technology Overview
SI.ReGrow uses a technique known as mechanical distraction-induced enterogenesis, applying gradual tensioning of tissue to the correct amount over time. Our 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.
Benefits
More effective treatment – our implant delivers on a permanent improvement allowing patients to drink and eat normally when compared to treatment with lifelong drugs or maintenance therapies.
Patient monitoring – the implant can provide feedback to the clinical care team whilst in use.
Adaptable – 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.
Soft and flexible – easy to handle and comfortable for the patient whilst in place, it also reduces the tissue scar.
Applications
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.
Opportunity
Seeking development partners particularly those with expertise in surgical, endoscopic, and gastro-intestinal medical devices.
Licensing