Technology developed by
McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine faculty member Eric Beckman, PhD, the George M. Bevier Professor of Engineering in the University of Pittsburgh Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, is now the basis of what is the lead product for Cohera Medical, Inc.®, a rapidly growing medical device company. Cohera recently announced that it has received the European Union's (EU’s) CE Mark approval for its lead product, TissuGlu® Surgical Adhesive. CE Mark approval allows TissuGlu to be sold in the European Union.
TissuGlu is an internal surgical adhesive for large flap surgeries, such as abdominoplasties, that helps reduce fluid accumulation and the need for postsurgical drains. Its unique chemical composition is resorbable, non-toxic, forms a strong bond between tissue layers and allows for natural healing, which ultimately may provide the patient with a quicker return to normal activity.
“TissuGlu Surgical Adhesive provides an innovative approach to the way plastic surgeons address wound drainage challenges and helps plastic surgeons improve the overall care of their patients,” said McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine faculty member Peter Rubin, MD, chief, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. “Surgeons will be eager to apply this product to their procedures, which we believe will ultimately save them time and money through the reduction of post-surgical complications and additional OR time.”
TissuGlu will be commercially available in Germany in the third quarter of 2011. Cohera Medical is also actively pursuing U.S. FDA approval.
“CE Mark approval moves Cohera from an early-stage company to a commercial entity,” said Patrick Daly, president and chief executive officer of Cohera Medical. “We look forward to beginning our commercialization in Germany, a strategic market, which we believe will demonstrate commercial viability for TissuGlu Surgical Adhesive and serve as a springboard for expansion across the EU and to other important markets, including the US.”
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the global market for cosmetic surgery and treatments now exceeds $30 billion, with a sustainable compound annual growth rate in the range of 25%. In Europe, the market for cosmetic surgery is about $2.2 billion with a compound annual growth rate of 19% (Frost & Sullivan), and total sales of wound closure devices are expected to reach approximately $740 million in 2012 (Medtech Insight). Abdominoplasty (tummy tucks) is the fourth most common plastic surgery procedure performed worldwide.
Currently, most patients who undergo abdominoplasty procedures require the insertion of drains to remove fluids that accumulate under the skin at the surgical site. In some cases, drainage is inadequate, and the excess fluid accumulation (seroma) often requires additional procedures for removal. TissuGlu adheres the tissue flap to the underlying tissue (which is created during the procedure) to reduce fluid that can accumulate in the space and ultimately reduce the time to drain removal. With the use of TissuGlu, patients may have drains removed faster, which may lead to a more comfortable recovery and a quicker return to normal activity.
Cohera Medical also recently received two Pittsburgh Technology Council Tech 50 Awards. Cohera Medical was recognized as the 2011 Life Sciences Company of the Year and its president and chief executive officer, Patrick Daly, was named Pittsburgh CEO of the Year.
“We are honored to be recognized by the Pittsburgh Technology Council as a company that is developing unique and innovative technology that will help surgeons improve the overall care of their patients,” said Mr. Daly. “These awards are a reflection of the quality, commitment and passion of our entire team. We remain fully committed to supporting the technology business in Southwest Pennsylvania and making a positive impact on the lives of patients and surgeons worldwide.”
The Pittsburgh Technology Council’s Tech 50 Awards recognize southwestern Pennsylvania’s technology and thought-leading companies, which are innovation pioneers in technology-based industries that have become the backbone of Pittsburgh’s new economy. The council has over 270,000 members from more than 1,400 companies across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.
The Life Sciences Company of the Year award is given to a company in the life sciences sector that improves our health and environment. The Pittsburgh CEO of the Year award is given to a CEO of a Tech 50 category company who makes a substantial contribution to his or her company performance and demonstrates outstanding leadership and high levels of peer esteem.
Illustration: Cohera Medical, Inc.
Read more…
Cohera Medical, Inc. News Release (09/14/11)
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (09/15/11)
Cohera Medical, Inc. News Release (09/21/11)
Pittsburgh Technology Council (09/20/11)
Bio: Dr. Eric Beckman
Bio: Dr. Peter Rubin