IPSO SIGNS COLLABORATION AGREEMENT WITH B1 MEDICAL

IPSO SIGNS COLLABORATION AGREEMENT WITH B1 MEDICAL LIMITED

IPSO Ventures plc ("IPSO"), the creator of commercial value from technology, is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement with B1 Medical Limited ("B1") to collaborate on the development of a device for diagnosing Acute Compartment Syndrome ("ACS").

B1 has developed a monitor ("the B1 Monitor"), based on the measurement of tissue pH, to provide an early indication of the likely onset of ACS. This is a condition which occurs mainly in trauma/crush victims and patients who have undergone surgery. ACS is caused when swelling occurs within a closed compartment (e.g. in the arm or leg) and, as swelling continues, nerves and arteries can be crushed and muscle can die. Early diagnosis of ACS is paramount as, without treatment, it can lead to paralysis, loss of a limb or even death. There are currently no robust diagnostic tests for acute intramuscular ischaemic vascular conditions.

The novel B1 technology allows early diagnosis of ACS and initial clinical studies indicate that it has better diagnostic capability than the current gold standard, which uses pressure measurement.

IPSO has developed novel micro-electrodes for the accurate measurement of pH in extremely small volumes of liquid. One embodiment being developed is a micro-electrode for insertion into tissue for the continuous measurement of pH. This will form the basis of a disposable micro-probe, for use in conjunction with the B1 Monitor, for monitoring likely onset of ACS in trauma patients.

Nick Rodgers, CEO of IPSO, said: "We are very excited to work with B1 on the development of such a novel product. This is yet another example of how we develop technologies which are commercially relevant. By bringing together know-how and IP from various sources, we are able to address serious commercial needs and add significant value for shareholders." 

Mark Wickham, CEO of B1, added: "I am very pleased that our two companies have come together to develop a product for which there is a real clinical need. The B1 Monitor will aid the early diagnosis and treatment of ACS and the market potential for a product that accurately diagnoses this serious condition is significant." 

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NOTES TO EDITORS

IPSO:

IPSO creates commercial value from technology and its business model is entirely demand driven. It works closely with its industrial collaborators to identify the demand for new, innovative technologies and then, through its strong relationships with research institutions, sources technologies which could meet those needs. Much of this technology requires considerable further work by IPSO before it can be sold to industry as a developed product. IPSO creates businesses and provides expertise, strategic direction, human and seed capital, as well as corporate finance advice.

For industrial collaborators, IPSO provides a mechanism to identify and develop technologies which could be of significant value to their businesses and removes the risk to them of acquiring raw, unproven and undeveloped technology.

For research institutions, IPSO provides greater certainty that their technology will find commercial success.

B1 Medical Limited:

B1 Medical Ltd is a product development and commercialisation company operating in the field of orthopaedics and filling the gap between academic institutions and companies, taking ideas and inventions through to fully developed products and then to market. The company has a 10 year first option over new IP in the field of orthopaedics generated by NHS Grampian, The University of Aberdeen and The Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. The company has ISO 13485 accreditation for "The design and development of orthopaedic devices for use in trauma, elective and spinal surgery".