Heriot-Watt University

A former principal mechanical engineer from a UK prosthetics company has made strides in developing "more comfortable, functional, and affordable" upper limb prosthetics through David Yeudall, founder of Infinity DPM, participated in the inaugural cohort of the six-month accelerator initiative, which supports entrepreneurs working in robotics, AI, and advanced engineering to commercialise their innovative ideas and concluded in July. During the programme, Yeudall made progress on multiple upper limb prosthetic projects. A key innovation in his approach is the use of softer, warmer materials to create more humanistic prosthetics compared to traditional rigid designs. Yeudall’s innovations come at a crucial time for the prosthetics industry with the global market valued at more than $6.7 billion and expected to grow to $9.8 billion by 2032 - underscoring the increasing demand for more advanced, comfortable prosthetic solutions that can significantly improve users' quality of life. A 2021 study published in the US National Library of Medicine said: “While commercial prostheses present rigid mechanical structures, emerging trends in the design of robotic hands are moving towards soft technologies.” The same study highlighted that “lack of comfort and function remain persistent reasons for upper limb prosthesis abandonment.” “Traditional prosthetics can often feel cold, stiff, or uncomfortable for users,” said Yeudall. “We're aiming to change that by developing softer, warmer materials that feel more humanistic. Our goal is to create prosthetics that not only restore functionality but also feel more natural and comfortable for daily use. This approach could make a significant difference in the lives of people who rely on prosthetics, potentially improving their quality of life and expanding their capabilities. “The DeepTech LaunchPad programme has been instrumental in advancing our work. Access to the National Robotarium's facilities at Heriot-Watt, particularly its 3D printing capabilities, allowed us to rapidly prototype and refine our designs. The programme also provided invaluable engineering validation and helped us articulate and pursue our core mission as a business: restoring functionality to amputees in a way that's more accessible and comfortable.”

STAMFORD, Conn., July 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SWTX), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on severe rare diseases and cancer, today announced the appointment of Martin Mackay, Ph.D. to the Company’s Board of Directors. Dr. Mackay is a highly accomplished research and development (R&D) executive with more than 30 years of pharmaceutical and biotech R&D experience, including leadership roles at Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Alexion. “Martin is a proven industry leader whose experience in developing and delivering novel treatments to patients in need is exceptional,” said Saqib Islam, Chief Executive Officer of SpringWorks. “His expertise in rare diseases and unique perspectives leading multiple Research and Development organizations across the globe will be extremely valuable to SpringWorks as we advance and expand our pipeline and execute on our mission to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. I am delighted to welcome Martin to the SpringWorks team.” “I am very pleased to join the SpringWorks Board and work with a group of talented and visionary leaders who are driven by a joint mission to develop and deliver transformative therapies for patients with devastating diseases,” said Dr. Mackay. “I believe SpringWorks is uniquely positioned to make a significant impact in therapeutic areas with tremendous potential, and it is an honor to bring my experience and knowledge to support the important work that SpringWorks is doing.” Dr. Mackay is a co-founder and Executive Chairman of Rallybio, a privately held clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on severe rare diseases that was incorporated in January 2018. Previously, Dr. Mackay was Executive Vice President, Head of Research and Development at Alexion from 2013 until 2017. Prior to joining Alexion, Dr. Mackay served as President, Research and Development at AstraZeneca from 2010 to 2013, where he led the R&D functions worldwide, including discovery research, clinical development, regulatory affairs, and key related R&D functions. From 1995 to 2009, he held various positions at Pfizer Inc., including Senior Vice President of Worldwide Development, where he was a member of the Executive Leadership Team and led a global organization tasked with advancing a portfolio of investigational medicines across a range of disease areas, and President, Head of Pfizer Pharmatherapeutics, R&D, where he oversaw all aspects of small molecule discovery and development across multiple therapeutic areas. From 1986 to 1995, Dr. Mackay worked at Ciba-Geigy (now Novartis) in the United Kingdom and Switzerland, and held various positions in academic research prior to that time. Dr. Mackay is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Charles River Laboratories and Novo Nordisk. He received a First-Class Honours Degree in microbiology from Heriot-Watt University and his Ph.D. in molecular genetics from the University of Edinburgh. About SpringWorks Therapeutics SpringWorks is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company applying a precision medicine approach to developing and delivering life-changing medicines for people with severe rare diseases and cancer. OGSIVEO® (nirogacestat), approved in the United States for the treatment of adult patients with progressing desmoid tumors who require systemic treatment, is the Company’s first FDA-approved therapy. SpringWorks also has a diversified targeted therapy pipeline spanning solid tumors and hematological cancers, with programs ranging from preclinical development through advanced clinical trials. In addition to its wholly owned programs, SpringWorks has also entered into multiple collaborations with innovators in industry and academia to unlock the full potential for its portfolio and create more solutions for patients in need. For more information, visit www.springworkstx.com and follow @SpringWorksTx on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and YouTube. Contacts: Kim DiamondVice President, Communications and Investor RelationsPhone: 203-561-1646 Email: kdiamond@springworkstx.com Samantha Hilson SandlerSenior Director, Investor RelationsPhone: 203-461-5501Email: samantha.sandler@springworkstx.com

The Medical Device Manufacturing Centre (MDMC) has been awarded £3.35 million of additional funding from Scottish Enterprise to continue its work developing medical device innovation and improve the industry’s sustainability. The new funding was confirmed by the Scottish Government’s Cabinet secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy, Neil Gray, who was given a tour of the facility. The money will help to address current challenges facing organisations like the NHS, exploring the inclusion and development of degradable or reusable polymers. Designed to have reduced environmental impact, use of these polymers could help to make medical device manufacturing more sustainable. More work will also be done on the real-time evaluation of the carbon footprint of manufacturing processes and the safer removal of greenhouse gases in the NHS. Additionally, further support will be given to earlier-stage entrepreneurs in healthcare who are part of Scottish Enterprise’s High Growth Spinout Programme, a positive step towards closer integration of innovation in the health and care sectors. The MDMC is a consortium of institutions including Heriot-Watt University, where it is headquartered, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Glasgow, and Robert Gordon University. It can also be announced that the MDMC has a new partner in the University of Dundee, which has a legacy in precision machining. There is a suite of commercial manufacturing equipment at what was formerly IMSaT (The Institute for Medical Science and Technology) in Dundee that will be reconditioned to cover the field of key-hole surgery for brain, limb and heart applications, implantable devices, and endoscopic devices. Wellbeing Economy secretary Neil Gray said: “This funding will not only drive innovation across the healthcare landscape, but help produce more sustainable medical devices as we continue our transition to net zero. “Having previously supported the MDMC through the Scottish Government’s Advancing Manufacturing Challenge Fund, it is fantastic to see these state-of-the-art facilities continuing to encourage collaborative working. “Innovation is a priority, and the National Innovation Strategy sets out plans to drive up our performance and compete with the best in the world over the next decade.”