Microneedle Patches
Ian Bartenev and Henry Dunne
Recognised Spark Business
‘Biotechnology with Enterprise’ students Ian and Henry have used the knowledge gained from their academic modules and the practical support from Spark to take their scientific ideas from the lab bench to the marketplace.
MNS (Microneedle Solutions ltd) develop vaccine patches which enable people anywhere and everywhere to be vaccinated in a painless, self-administrative and more effective way.
“We would like to give our thanks for the support that the SPARK team has given us throughout the year, it has enabled us to register our company, file patents and develop an MVP. All of which could not have been possible if it wasn’t for the sponsors whose capital and connections have allowed us to progress the venture thus far, to which we are extremely grateful for."
Ian Bartenev and Henry Dunne
Microneedle Patches
The pair were awarded an ‘Enterprise Scholarship’ that comes with a £3,000 grant and a programme of tailored business support including a place on the ‘Spark Enterprise Boot Camp’. Currently in the process of iterating their MVP, they have filled two patents, one for the manufacturing technology and another for the patch itself.
Aware of the challenges ahead, including the stringent pre-clinical and clinical requirements, the duo have been in conversation with both MHRA and LabCorp to design an adequate clinical trial strategy for both FDA and MHRA approval.
“The mentoring provided by SPARK has allowed us to make the right decisions at the right time, for instance we would have never thought about patenting as early as we did if it wasn’t for the many business advisors advising us that a patent is crucial for investment. The boot camp was also very useful for us, to not only learn about the other scholar’s businesses, but to also network with them. As well as this, the talks from the other business owners were very useful and insightful for us to determine how and what to do to develop our business. “
With a long term aim to become the global leader in microneedle technology, they are looking expand their range from just vaccines to other drugs such as treatments for chronic illnesses. As well as integrating smart technology into the patches, creating diagnostic patches and the development of an App to allow people to house all their MNS information.
“During this venture, we have gained lots of experience through talking to and working with patents, business advisors, NDAs, CDAs, LabCorp, MHRA, investors etc which have given both Ian and I valuable experience in business at a young age, which we will use to further grow our business, to reach its full potential!”
