Viscofan BioEngineering combines natural sciences and engineering to provide innovative bioproducts as new solutions for cell biology, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Viscofan BioEngineering is a business unit within the food industry Viscofan (MCE:VIS) which has its headquarters in Spain and an annual turnover of €800M. Our main operations are located at Viscofan’s subsidiary, Naturin Viscofan GmbH in Weinheim, Germany.
Our activities are focused on the industrial-scale production of bovine dermal very native collagen type 1, and its further development into products for cell biology and regenerative medicine. We offer an innovative ultrathin scaffold which consists of intact collagen fibrils and builds very stable film structures without the need for further cross-linking. The suitability and superior performance of these films for cell biological purposes has been thoroughly assessed in collaborations with a multitude of academic partners in Germany, Spain, France, Italy and the UK for various indications, such as myocardial infarction, age-related macular degeneration, wound care and urethra repair. Of particular relevance is our initiative in cardiac repair, where we use allogeneic hADSCs seeded on our collagen membrane to treat ventricular dysfunction from ischemic origin (Arana et al 2013,
Arana et al 2014). These studies in rats and Göttingen pigs guarantee that our collagen membrane is a very convenient substrate for ADSC-based regenerative medicine approaches.
Viscofan BioEngineering is committed to co-developing new collagen-based solutions for regenerative medicine with research partners. We will soon be able to offer our collagen products in R&D and CE-certified grade to underpin this development. In an interesting example of corporate entrepreneurship, Viscofan BioEngineering is willing to take the lead in promoting the clinical development of collagen-based products bringing ATMPs (Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products) or medical devices to proof of concept stage in humans.
Viscofan BioEngineering provides a unique opportunity to develop regenerative medicine therapeutic approaches that can be easily transferred to the clinic. Viscofan BioEngineering is also willing to share its expertise in pan European policymaking initiatives and is currently involved in a Knowledge Innovation Community initiative addressing the topic of Healthcare Innovation. With the cooperation of top quality European researchers and the support of European and National funding institutions, we are willing to contribute to the growth of the regenerative medicine market in the coming years.
Lluís Quintana Frigola
Business Development Manager
Viscofan BioEngineering
Tel: +49 6201 86236
