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ReInnervate was founded in 2002 as a spin-out from Durham University, where it is still based. ReInnervate specialise in developing technologies to facilitate cell culture and thus cell-based research, particularly in the field of stem cell biology.

The laboratory based culture of human stem cells, divided into specific types of cells and tissues (for example heart, liver or nerve cells) has great potential for use in scientific research, drug development and testing, and cell replacement therapies. However, in order for this technology to be useful, it is vital that scientists are able to direct cell differentiation in a reliable and consistent way. It is also important to provide an environment where these developed cells can grow and function as they would in the body. ReInnervate is developing technologies in three core areas towards these aims namely:

Devices to allow cells to be grown in the laboratory in 3-D structures as they would do in the body – cells are currently frequently grown in 2-D layers in plastic wells or flasks.

Design and production of synthetic retinoids (and other small molecules), a key factor used for the differentiation of human stem cells - scientists currently use naturally occurring retinoids which can degrade in culture systems, making it difficult to standardise and reproduce experiments.

Identification and characterisation of biomarkers of stem cells to allow the monitoring of conversion from stem cells to other tissue types.

Although this technology is designed to enable stem cell research, aspects of the research and development process of these technologies have the potential to lead to diagnostic tools or therapeutic applications in their own right. 

Activities in the region

Set up by a Durham University academic and based in its incubator facilities, ReInnervate contracts its research and development activity to Durham University, making use of its state of the art scientific facilities and equipment. As scientific discoveries emerge, ReInnervate works with Durham University to secure the intellectual property of new technologies which are then commercially developed by the Company. In this form, around 10 people are involved in ReInnervate projects, either as direct or indirect employees.

Future developments

ReInnervate has recently secured funding from a syndicate including the venture capital firm, North Star Equity Partners, management and private investors to facilitate further business development. The Company plans to use this in part to prepare for its relocation in 2009 to incubator premises at NETPark, County Durham. With this move and a further round of private equity funding scheduled for 1Q 2009, will come company expansion to 20 employees, with future plans to increase this number over the next five years. ReInnervate is also currently negotiating with global suppliers of cell culture materials in order to partner with them in the distribution of their technology.

Contact

Dr Stefan Pryzborski
Tel: (0191) 3341341
nfo@reinnervate.com