4D Medicine, a UK-based startup has raised £3.4 million in Series A investment. The round was led by Oshen Holdings and backed by DSW Ventures, SFC Capital (which backed Quin AI and VoltShare), Boundary Capital and private investors, including several leading scientists and surgeons.
With this, the total funding raised by the company is now £5 million and it is preparing to close the Series B round early next year.
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.
What does the company do?
Founded in 2020 as a spin-out from the Universities of Birmingham and Warwick, 4D Medicine, led by CEO Philip Smith is based in Nottingham.
The company 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.
4Degra: All you need to know
4Degra is touted to offer some notable advantages over existing resorbable biomaterials used for implants. With some materials, the entire product breaks down rapidly, creating acidic by-products that can cause pain, inflammation and cysts. In contrast 4Degra degrades gradually, starting from the surface, and does not release harmful acidic by-products.
It can be 3D printed to create complex geometries. As it can be produced in both soft and hard formulations, it also has the potential to be used both for flexible products such as films and membranes, or where a more rigid product is required such as plates, pins and bone scaffolds.
Philip Smith, the company’s CEO, commented: “I would like to thank all our investors for their trust and support. 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.”
Investors’ views
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 £5bn market for resorbable medical devices.”
Jason Druker, Portfolio Manager at SFC Capital said: “We are delighted to refresh our commitment to Phil and the 4D team. Since we first invested four years ago, they have made great progress and we’re excited to see the impact of their first medical device products.”
What do we think about 4DMedicine?
The UK company is poised to make a substantial impact in the medical field with its groundbreaking 4Degra biomaterial.
By addressing the limitations of current resorbable biomaterials, such as rapid degradation and harmful by-products, 4Degra offers a safer and more effective alternative. Its versatility in applications—from soft tissue scaffolds to rigid bone implants—positions it as a game-changer in the bioresorbable medical device market.
With further advancements and regulatory clearance, 4Degra could significantly enhance patient outcomes and set new standards in medical implant technology.
