Gecko Biomedical receives €1.3m from Bpifrance to develop surgical adhesives

21 January 2015

Paris-based Gecko Biomedical has announced it has received a €1.3 million loan from Bpifrance to advance development of its biodegradable surgical glues and patches for wound closure.

The company says the funds will be used to advance the manufacturing scale-up of its Liquid Film platform, and the completion of the non-clinical development plan for regulatory purposes.

Bpifrance is a subsidiary of the Caisse des Dépôts and the French Government and supports companies from seed to IPO stage, by providing credit, guarantees and equity. The funds are part of Bpifrance’s support for innovation through its Aide au Développement de l’Innovation (ADI) program, providing repayable advances to encourage the development of innovative products.

Christophe Bancel, Gecko Biomedical’s CEO said, “This ADI will allow us to swiftly advance the development program of Gecko Biomedical’s innovative adhesives. As such, Bpifrance is a key stakeholder in our short and medium term development.”

“Gecko Biomedical is a Parisian start-up whose innovation program presents multiple applications in the closure of surgical wounds in situ. In partnership with private investors, Bpifrance is delighted to support Gecko Biomedical in the development of its innovative solutions with an international appeal,” comments Guillaume Poissonier, Innovation Manager from Bpifrance.

Outstanding researcher

The company's Head of Adhesive Technologies, Maria Pereira PhD has been featured by Forbes Magazine in its “30 under 30” list in Healthcare. Forbes’ fourth annual “30 Under 30” list features 600 young disruptors, innovators and entrepreneurs in 20 different fields.

“This year’s Forbes list is full of incredible minds and it is a great honor to be part of this talented generation that dreams high and works hard to make them a reality,” said Maria Pereira. “This recognition would not be possible without the everyday inspiration and vision of mentors and colleagues that work tirelessly to bring this technology closer to patients and improve their quality of life.”

 Christophe Bancel said, “We are truly fortunate to have Maria as a core pillar of our incredibly talented team at Gecko Biomedical. This recognition by such a well-regarded international publication underlines Maria’s exceptional talent, creativity and ambition to truly contribute to advancing science while improving patients’ quality of life.”

Source: Gecko Biomedical

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