Medical innovator Polyphotonix has struck a deal with global diabetes equipment provider embecta to supply its sleep mask technology in the UK and Ireland.
It is hoped the partnership, initially with the UK arm of US-based embecta, means the County Durham-developed Noctura 400 Sleep Mask will find more uptake among healthcare professionals. Polyphotonix's mask is worn overnight and emits light at a particular wavelength into the wearer's eyes, treating diabetic retinopathy - a condition which causes high blood sugar levels to damage the back of the eye and can lead to blindness.
Research has shown the technology's effectiveness in improving and stabilising diabetic eye disease by providing an early stage, non-invasive alternative to current treatments such as eye injections. Last year the firm received $10m from investors Prevail Partners LLC as part of a Series A investment.
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Richard Kirk, CEO of PolyPhotonix, said: “This is an exciting moment for the business – embecta have a proven track record and presence in over 100 countries. Our partnership with them will significantly improve the availability of our Sleep Mask in the UK, giving healthcare professionals another tool in their armoury against this debilitating disease. This partnership is a turning point for PolyPhotonix and marks the start of our planned international expansion.”
Last year Polyphotonix announced the backing of Ashford and St Peter’s NHS Foundation Trust which has adopted the sleep mask following research that showed it is effective in 96% of patients. The firm says kit could reduce hospital clinic appointments in a field which costs the NHS an estimated £10bn per year.
Nasdaq-listed Embecta spun out of global healthcare technology provider BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) to focus on diabetes care products. The firm says it has nearly 100 years experience in the field, and provides insulin syringes and pen needles to consumers and healthcare providers.
Last year the 2,000-strong company reported revenues of $1.1bn and gross profits of $775m. At the time, Dev Kurdikar, chief executive officer of embecta, said: "Fiscal year 2023 will be a critical year as we take steps to further strengthen our core business, make additional progress towards separating and standing up embecta as an independent company, and invest in growth opportunities, including the further development of our type 2 closed loop insulin delivery system."
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