Funding Lights Up Lumicure

LUMICURE, the St Andrews-based developer of light sources for skin treatment, has raised GBP 2.5 million of funding to take products through clinical trials.

Led by Longbow Capital and the Scottish Venture Fund, the deal will provide expansion funds for a light-emitting “sticking plaster” for treating skin cancer.

The original research was carried out by Professor Ifor Samuel at St Andrews University and Professor James Ferguson at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.

The product uses the latest organic light-emitting (OLED) polymer technology powered by simple pocket batteries. These are worn by the patient in a similar way to a sticking plaster, while the battery is carried like an iPod. This new device, which builds on established photodynamic therapy treatment (PDT) methods, reduces pain and gives the patient the convenience of being treated at GP surgeries or at home rather than at hospital.

Longbow director Robin Finlayson said: “Not only does Lumicure’s product have major advantages in skin cancer but the technology has potential in a range of skin treatments.”

Ian Muirhead, Lumicure’s chief executive said: “This investment will allow us to take the medical device for skin cancer through regulatory trials.”

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