Chemical manufacturer Evonik has acquired a share into Friedrich Schiller University burn healing spinout JeNaCell.
The share was acquired as part of a series A round, the size of which was unannounced, which was also supported by state-backed investors Bmt Beteiligungsmanagement Thüringen and High-Tech-Gründerfonds, Thuringia Foundation for Technology, Innovation and Research and the Sparkasse Jena bank.
JeNaCell is developing a treatment for burn and chronic wounds which utilises nanocellulose. The material uses plant-based cellulose and nanostructured materials to produce an absorbent, tear-resistant, and moisture regulating wound dressing which is less painful than traditional dressings.
Bernhard Mohr, head of venture capital at Evonik, said: “JeNaCell is an outstanding strategic fit for Evonik. The company’s technology supplements our competencies in biotechnology and in the area of delivery systems for active medical ingredients.”