Newcastle medtech secures six-figure funding to further genetics research

A Newcastle-based medtech firm has secured almost £250k in funding to further its research into the impact of genetics on implants.

ExplantLab, which is based in The Biosphere on Newcastle Helix, has secured funding from Innovate UK in order to continue its research into the effect of metal implants on the body.

The new funding will enable ExplantLab to develop its machine learning algorithm which considers patients’ genetics aiming to predict the possibility of adverse reactions to metal implants.

David Langton, director of ExplantLab, explained: “The Innovate UK funding is part of a £350k project that will take our work to the next level.

“It will allow us to greatly expand our current data set and move our work from the research stage to being clinical ready.

“Ultimately this will allow us to determine which implants will function best on an individual basis and protect patients.”

Cllr Ged Bell, cabinet member for employment and culture at Newcastle City Council, added: “The Biosphere is designed to give life sciences companies the opportunity to commercialise and ExplantLab is a great example of this.

“ExplantLab has benefited from being based at The Biosphere with like-minded businesses and the Innovate UK funding will help advance the team’s innovative work.

“It’s great news for ExplantLab, The Biosphere and the region and we look forward to seeing the company grow in the future.”