Regenerative medicines specialist WideCells Group PLC (LON:WDC) said it had been granted a research licence from the UK's Human Tissue Authority, which chief executive João Andrade said opened up a “new dimension” for the company. Specifically, it paves the way to a collaboration with Qigenix, which is assessing the potential to activate stem cells using lasers. WideCells will receive £100,000 as part of the tie-up.
READ: Widecells takes aim at dentist market with new synthetic bone graft
WATCH: Chief executive one new market opportunities
Additionally, the firm will carry out its own in-house research to develop new technology using WideCells' artificial bone product INDUS, together with mesenchymal stem cells to enable significantly faster bone formation. The work will be carried out at the WideCells Institute of Stem Cell Technology (ISCT), at the University of Manchester Innovation Centre, which is led by the firm’s chief scientific officer, Dr Peter Hollands. CEO Andrade said of Monday’s announcement: "This licence opens up yet another dimension for us as we continue to work at the forefront of the stem cell industry in expanding our research division. “We recently launched our innovative INDUS product, a new artificial bone material which targets the dental market; however now with this licence in place, we can expand our innovative research across a wider field. “Our research division will now be in a revenue generative position, alongside CellPlan our medical insurance product, thereby strengthening our overall financial position. “I am delighted with the position of the company as it stands, and I look forward to providing further news in the near term on our rapid development and product roll out." The shares were up just under 1% early on 14.625p. ---adds share price--