Jenarron Therapeutics, an early-stage therapeutics company, has emerged as the overall winner at the inaugural Pitchfest 2011.
Formed following a collaboration between consultant Mark Jenkins and professor of pharmaceutics Paul McCarron, Jenarron Therapeutics is seeking to exploit the novel properties of a patented putty-hydrogel material that can be used to deliver a range of drug substances, such as anaesthetic to wounds.
Jenarron Therapeutics will initially focus on the management of acute wounds and non-serious minor cuts and scratches. It then intends to adapt its technology so that the putty can be used in chronic wounds, such as leg ulcers, pressure sores and burn injuries.
Pitchfest 2011 is a joint initiative by NISP CONNECT and Halo Business Angels Network. It was held at the Northern Ireland Science Park and sponsored by Cleaver Fulton Rankin, BluePrint and FPM Chartered Accountants.
At the event, 12 local companies had the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges and an audience of more than 150 business leaders within the entrepreneurial community.
“Jenarron is still at a very early stage in its development and while we were confident that we had developed technology that offers huge global potential we now have received an important endorsement from the NI business community that they see commercial potential in our innovation,” said McCarron.
Photo: Mark Jenkins; Steve Orr, director, NISP CONNECT; Scott Kennedy, partner, Cleaver Fulton Rankin and Prof Paul McCarron
