Public Funding for London Plastic Surgery Centre UK Limited

When a nerve is injured due to trauma or tumour resection, it would typically be cut off into two pieces, leaving an empty gap between them. Subsequently, this gap would cause permanent loss of nerve function (i.e. lack of sensation and movement). In 2020, 9,520 nerve injuries were reported in the UK for just upper limbs alone. Current treatments involve sewing the ends of the nerves together when the gap between them is short. Alternatively, a nerve graft would be sewn onto the nerve ends for larger gaps. However, both treatments have variable results. To reconnect the nerve to its original position (or severed end) and re-transmit signals, the nerve cells require a guidance pathway, such as a synthetic guidance cue like a hollow tube. This project aims to complete the optimization and preclinical assessment of an innovative nerve conduit, recently prototyped to overcome the main limitations associated with available conduits and nerve autografting. We will trade register the product "NerveGraft". The NerveGraft is a porous conduit, filled with conductive nanofibres. The conduit and fibres are made from patented biodegradable material, BioHastalex(r). The material is based on functionalised graphene oxide covalently bonded at the molecular levels onto biodegradable materials. BioHastalex is fully tested to be non-toxic and has successfully been used as membranes with adipose stem cells as well as with Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a scaffold for wound healing in patients. Furthermore, we aim to biofunctionalise the fibres with peptides and growth factors as well as stem cells obtained from the patient's fat during the surgery. These units can make the nerves grow faster. This funding will enable the team to preclinically investigate the efficacy of the nerve guidance under GLP protocols for commercialisation. For commercialisation the Wellcome Trust has requested we apply for their translational grant. Our nerve guide will revolutionise the treatment of patients suffering from nerve injuries, eliminating current disadvantages while shortening the surgical procedure. Royal Free Hospital has the largest number of renowned plastics surgeons, including Professor Ash Mosahebi, who will supervise this research and conduct the clinical implantation for the next stage of the project. Commercially, overall sales in the global nerve repair market are valued at US$ 1.33 billion and are expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.65% from 2022 to 2030\.