From cancer and Crohn’s disease to diabetes and arthritis, bioelectronic medicine is revolutionising how we treat illness. Bioelectronic implants, which combine cutting-edge materials and interdisciplinary science, are at the forefront of emerging healthcare technologies.
In a similar vein, Manchester-based QV Bioelectronics has developed an electric field therapy implant that could treat aggressive brain tumours and was given £2 million funding in the beginning of 2023. After their pre-Series A fundraising round, the diverse medtech startup has been awarded a £860,000 grant under the Combined Investor Partnerships Award.
According to a company press release, the award from Innovate UK, the UK’s Innovation Agency, brings the total amount of grant funding awarded to QV to £1.8m, including an ongoing Biomedical Catalyst Award from Innovate UK, as well as previous support from the NIHR and Innovate UK SMART.
A potential revolution in cancer treatment
QV Bioelectronics’ revolutionary EFT implant, GRACE, is in pre-clinical development and the company was founded by biomedical engineer Dr Christopher Bullock and NHS brain cancer researcher Dr Richard Fu. With their first-of-its-kind technology, they aim to target dividing cancer cells within the brain without harming healthy cells.
GRACE’s first clinical indication will be glioblastoma (GBM), one of the most aggressive and deadly primary brain tumours. This technology aims to provide these patients with a longer, better quality of life.
The Cheshire-based company plans to use the funds to conduct critical activities prior to human clinical trials.
Several key aspects of this project will be addressed, including surgical innovation and engagement with clinical key opinion leaders to develop GRACE’s implantation procedure. Additionally, they involve manufacturing and distributing key technologies, ensuring regulatory compliance, and accelerating commercial development in key markets, including the UK.
Commenting on the award, Dr Chris Bullock said, “We are delighted to have been awarded the Investor Partnerships Award. This award, alongside out latest funding round, will be instrumental in accelerating the development of GRACE. This technology has the potential to revolutionise cancer treatment, and we are thrilled to have Innovate UK’s backing as we work towards making a real difference in the lives of those affected by this devastating disease.”
