Squid gel nets uni 'several million'
Otago University has made a multi-million deal with a US medical company.
An Otago University-designed sinus healing gel, recently the subject of a multi-million dollar patent sale, is expected to save the NZ health industry up to $30 million a year.
The United States medical technology company Medtronic bought the patent last week.
NBR understands the deal to be worth several million dollars to Otago University.
The gel, which reduces post-surgery sinus scarring, is derived from a polymer found in squid and crab shells.
More than $1 million in funding from the Ministry of Science and Innovation has gone into Otago University’s research and development of the gel over the past five years.
Co-developer and emeritus Otago University professor Brian Robinson says the new gel to prevent adhesions in sinus surgery will have “major economic and societal benefits” to New Zealand. He worked with University of Adelaide professor Peter-John Wormald and his son, ear, nose and throat surgeon Mr Simon Robinson, to develop the product.
Mr Robinson inspired the work after he challenged his father to come up with a biological substance to help solve the disheartening problem of post-operative complications after sinus surgery. Several thousand sinus surgeries are performed in New Zealand each year.
Scarring after sinus surgery can block sinus passages, necessitating further surgeries.
According to research, by removing the need for further treatment, the gel could save New Zealand health industry an estimated $10 million per year.
Mr Robinson said he believed the gel had the potential, after adaptation, to be used in other surgical procedures, such as for brain and abdominal surgery.
Both Professor Robinson and his son are hopeful of continuing the research to find other applications.
This wider use could increase health savings to $30 million. The current US cost for additional sinus treatments is estimated at US$1.28 billion per year. About half a million sinus operations are performed each year.
The product is not yet on the market.
Charlotte Woodfield
Wed, 02 Mar 2011
Wed, 02 Mar 2011
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Squid gel nets uni 'several million'
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