Healthtech firm joins UK-Texas partnership set to boost life sciences industry
A Huddersfield-headquartered company is already benefitting from a new ‘BioBridge’ collaboration between the Department for International Trade (DIT) and the world’s largest medical complex.
The Texas Medical Center (TMC) will now offer UK companies a package designed to help boost exports and the UK’s life sciences industry.
Paxman Scalp Cooling, based on Penistone Road in Huddersfield, is just one of three UK companies that have already made use of the BioBridge. Paxman specialises in cooling therapies to help breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Led by CEO Richard Paxman, the firm has set up a subsidiary in Houston.
Richard Paxman said: “We are delighted to be part of the BioBridge as it has provided PAXMAN the perfect platform to develop its commercialization strategy for the US market.
“We are perfectly located with access to not only some of our key customers, including the USA’s No. 1 cancer center, but also to our distribution and pharmacy operation. In addition, access to industry experts, key opinion leaders and a skilled workforce is much easier by this new partnership for UK firms.”
British life sciences businesses will be able to relocate to the TMC in Houston, where they will have access to a network of advisors, investors and medical specialists from both the Center and DIT.
Speaking at an event to mark the launch in London on 12 September, Minister of State for the Department for International Trade, Baroness Fairhead, said: “The UK is a world leader in healthcare innovation, and this partnership is clear evidence of the opportunities that exist for our companies in exciting markets such as the US.
“Our recently launched Export Strategy will help even more British life sciences companies to reach new markets – bringing together some of the brightest minds in science to advance the availability of innovative healthcare across the globe.”
SurePulse Medical and FirstKind Limited are also in the initial stages of engagement with TMC.
William McKeon, president and CEO of TMC, added: “This truly unique collaboration is a testament to the Texas Medical Center’s and the United Kingdom’s joint commitment to further fostering the cross-pollination of ideas, people, and innovation in the life sciences.
“We believe this new relationship will serve to create a tactical alliance between TMC and a nation that has been at the forefront of substantial medical innovation for centuries.”
Healthcare trusts in Leeds, Cambridge and Manchester are in talks with institutions based at the Houston site and will now look to formalise partnerships.
Sir Mark Walport, chief executive of UK Research and Innovation, concluded: “This unique opportunity will prove to be a valuable asset to UK and US healthcare professionals who are working tirelessly on the advancement of medical treatments for people all over the world.
“With the recognition of the UK as a leader in research and development, I hope to see further collaboration between the Texas Medical Center and the UK in the near future.”
