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Innovation: DeCell Technologies (Paul Gratzer, CEO and associate professor, School of Biomedical Engineering)

The winner of this year’s Innovation category was DeCell Technologies, conceived by Dr. Paul Gratzer, an associate professor in the School of Biomedical Engineering and CEO and president of the company. The biotech company manufactures advanced, ready-to-use tissue products to treat chronic foot ulcers, which afflict roughly 25 per cent of all diabetic patients.

“Our current focus is to address the unmet need of treating chronic foot ulcers — a common ailment of diabetics that can take months to heal, are prone to infection, and can lead to amputation,” explains Dr. Gratzer. “In his day and age of modern medicine and technology, it’s unacceptable. This is an issue that hasn’t had a good solution to it.”

Here’s how the technology works: A processing system strips cellular components and bacteria from donated tissue, leaving behind the essential properties of real human skin. Physicians can use this sterile layer of skin to cover ulcer wounds; think of it as scaffolding on the side of a building. Once it’s on, it has no chance of being rejected by the patient, promotes skin cell regeneration and keeps wounds clean.

The technology is also helping to treat patients with other chronic wounds, burn victims and can be used in surgical reconstructions. With significant safety and cost advantages to the technology, the DermGENTM product is currently in clinical trials with anticipated commercial sales within the next six months.