Scottish biotech company Burdica Biomed – an alumnus of EPIS (the Edinburgh Pre-Incubator Scheme) – has sealed an eight-figure distribution deal for several of its products with Sinopharm, China’s largest pharmaceutical and medical device distributor. Specialising in the application of hyaluronic acid (HA) – a naturally-occurring substance with many therapeutic uses – Burdica has pioneered the Zestica range of personal lubricants, including a product aimed at aiding fertility. The landmark ten-year deal will see Burdica’s products distributed in the globally significant Chinese market, following completion of the regulatory process there, in around 12-18 months.
Kevin Burd, founder and CEO of Burdica, commented: “With around 40 million couples in China estimated to be experiencing difficulty conceiving at any given time, this is clearly a very significant market and a key milestone for Burdica. We have had a good relationship with Sinopharm for several years and they are the ideal partner for our entry into the Chinese market. As we continue to add new, complementary products to our range, we will be looking to build similar relationships in other territories.”
Linda McPherson, regional director at Scottish Enterprise, which funds the EPIS programme and has provided significant support to Burdica, concluded: “This is a terrific deal for Burdica. It is a great example what can be achieved by Scottish companies who have the vision and determination to grow their business through accessing key international markets like China.”
Adrian Smith, programme director at EPIS, added: “Burdica is a real standard-bearer for Scottish life science innovation. Not only do they have cutting edge scientific expertise, but Kevin has the personal drive and commercial savvy to get in front of the big global players and secure this sort of major international deal.”
About EPIS
The Edinburgh Pre-Incubator Scheme (EPIS) aims to increase innovation and commercialisation in Scotland, by providing funding, mentoring and university resources (including accommodation) to knowledge-based start-ups with high growth potential. Formed in 2004, EPIS is a joint venture between the University of Edinburgh, Scottish Enterprise and the European Regional Development Fund. It is modeled on a similar and highly successful scheme run by Holland’s University of Twente. EPIS has set an impressive benchmark with its initial round, which saw more than 88 per cent of participants setting up a trading company.
Burdica Biomed Limited
Burdica Biomed Limited (BBL) is a fast-growing biotechnology and medical devices company. It is engaged in manufacturing and marketing of products based on the application of advanced biopolymers, and in research and development relating to biopolymer technologies. Its core area of expertise is the therapeutic application of the biopolymer hyaluronic acid (HA).
The company was established in 2007 in Scotland by Kevin Burd, an American production engineer with extensive experience of operations management in the medical devices industry. The company has now built a strong, widely experienced and highly motivated team which is driving its continuing development.
Less than two years after its establishment, Burdica launched its first product, Zestica Fertility™, a personal lubricant using the fertility enhancing properties of HA. The product range was subsequently augmented by the introduction of Zestica Moisture™, designed to alleviate the dryness and discomfort which is experienced by many women during and after the menopause, and in some cases by younger women as a result of certain medical conditions. Other complementary products are under development.
BBL is engaged in a programme of research and development expected to yield significant future enhancements and refinements of HA technology, and to lead to future generations of HA-based products.