Gecko Biomedical Receives 1.3 Million Euros From Bpifrance to Advance its Bio-Inspired Surgical Adhesive Solutions

PARIS, January 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

Gecko Biomedical, a French medical device company developing 'bio-inspired' biodegradable surgical glues and patches for wound closure, announces today it has received 1.3 million euros from Bpifrance to advance its Bio-inspired Surgical Solutions.

The funds are part of Bpifrance's support to innovation through its Aide au Développement de l'Innovation (ADI) program, providing repayable advances to encourage the development of innovative products.

These funds will be dedicated to advancing the manufacturing scale-up of Gecko Biomedical's Liquid Film platform, and the completion of the non-clinical development plan for regulatory purposes.

Christophe Bancel, Gecko Biomedical's Chief Executive Officer said "We are truly appreciative of Bpifrance's support forour development activities. This ADI will allow us to swiftly advance the development program of Gecko Biomedical's innovative adhesives. As such, Bpifrance is a key stakeholder in our short and medium term development."

"Gecko Biomedical is a Parisian start-up whose innovation program presents multiple applications in the closure of surgical wounds in situ. In partnership with private investors, Bpifrance is delighted to support Gecko Biomedical in the development of its innovative solutions with an international appeal," comments Guillaume Poissonier, Innovation Manager from Bpifrance.

Notes to Editors 

About Gecko Biomedical 

Gecko Biomedical is a privately owned medical device company based in Paris, France that is dedicated to the rapid development and the commercialization of revolutionary biodegradable sealants and adhesives for wound closure in the field of surgery, with a key focus on minimally invasive surgery. Gecko Biomedical is developing products that are non-toxic, bind strongly to tissues and deliver 'on-demand' wound closure within the 'wet' and dynamic environments in the body. The Company's technology and products are based on world-class research and intellectual property from the laboratories of Robert Langer (MIT) and Jeff Karp (Brigham and Women's Hospital). Gecko was founded in 2013 and is backed by leading healthcare investors Omnes Capital, CM-CIC and CapDecisif Management.

Further information: http://www.geckobiomedical.com or @geckobiomedical or http://www.linkedin.com/company/gecko-biomedical

About Bpifrance 

Bpifrance, a subsidiary of the Caisse des Dépôts and the French Government, trusted partner of entrepeneurs, supports companies from seed to IPO stage, by providing credit, guarantees and equity. Bpifrance provides enhanced support for innovation, external growth and export in partnership with UBIFRANCE and Coface.

Bpifrance offers companies a continuum of financing for each key stage of their development and an offer adapted to regional specificities.

With 42 regional offices (90% of decisions taken regionally), Bpifrance is a tool for economic competitiveness for entrepreneurs. Bpifrance acts in support of public policies pursued by the State and by the Regions to meet three objectives:

• Support the growth of SMEs
• Prepare future competitiveness
• Contribute to the development of a favorable ecosystem for entrepreneurship.

With Bpifrance, companies benefit from a powerful, close and efficient partner, to meet all of their financial, innovation and investment needs.

Further information on: http://www.bpifrance.fr - Follow us on Twitter: @bpifrance