Wound-healing technology shortlisted for award

A team led by Dr David Becker, of UCL's Centre for Cell & Molecular Dynamics, has developed a revolutionary new technology which helps wounds to heal faster.

In recognition of their groundbreaking work the technology, known as Nexagon, has been shortlisted for this year's Medical Futures Innovation Awards.

With an estimated 95 million people suffering from wounds worldwide, a product which speeds up the healing process could make considerable cost savings. Chronic wounds such as ulcers can often persist for months or years; in the case of elderly patients this can increase average hospital stays by at least one week, resulting in an additional US$1.5 billion in healthcare costs in the USA alone. The product is applied topically in a gel which as well as accelerating wound healing also reduces inflammation and scarring.

Competition for the Medical Futures Innovations Awards is stiff, with more than 620 entries received from both the academic and private sectors as well as the NHS. The winners will be announced on 30 October 2003.

Dr Chris Mason (Biochemical Engineering) was the overall winner of the 2002 Medical Futures Innovations Award, sponsored by the National Endowment for Science, Technology & the Arts, for his work on tissue engineering.

To find out more about the centre or the awards use the links below.

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Links:
Dr Becker
Medical Futures