National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded medical device company BioCircuit Technologies and Smithfield BioScience have partnered to produce a nerve repair solution, Nerve Tape.
The implantable device will empower clinicians with faster operability in rejoining injured nerves and thus making the surgical process simplified and results more patient-friendly.
The tape consists of decellularised porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) embedded with microscale hooks for tissue attachment.
Smithfield BioScience president Courtney Stanton said: “Our work with BioCircuit demonstrates our expanding portfolio and the value we are creating in a variety of markets through Smithfield’s vertically integrated supply chain and manufacturing expertise.
“By harvesting porcine bioproducts for medical applications – such as organs, mucosa, and tissues – we have the ability to improve lives through the development of innovative pharmaceuticals and medical devices like this one.”
Nerve Tape is wrapped around two ends of a severed nerve to produce a strong, stable connection with distributed tension that promotes regeneration for a suture-less nerve repair following traumatic injuries.
The tape is made from completely traceable SIS tissue from Smithfield’s US operations.
BioCircuit Technologies CEO Michelle Jarrard said: “We look forward to working with Smithfield BioScience to bring this promising medical device solution to life.
“BioCircuit is committed to developing medical technologies, such as Nerve Tape, to repair, monitor, and control peripheral nerves precisely and reliably.
“We’re excited to tap into Smithfield’s exceptional level of traceability and product safety in our work to empower surgeons with powerful, practical clinical tools that improve the treatment of injuries.”
BioCircuit is also engaged in the development of non-invasive, bioelectronic devices, which will be able to tap into nerve and muscle activity to deliver sensitive, high-resolution monitoring and selective, closed-loop stimulation.
