4D Biomaterials

About 4D Biomaterials

4D Biomaterials, trading as 4D Medicine Ltd, develops a new class of materials for 3D-printed medical implants designed to improve patient recovery after surgical procedures. The company was spun out of the Universities of Birmingham and Warwick in April 2020. The technology is the result of 15 years of research led by Professor Andrew Dove and Dr. Andrew Weems. Philip Smith serves as the CEO of the company.

4D Biomaterials is commercializing a patented polycarbonate-based liquid resin called 4Degra™. This bioresorbable material can be 3D printed into solid scaffold implants. As natural tissue regrows into the implant's structure, the material gradually degrades and is harmlessly absorbed by the body. This process can accelerate healing and may eliminate the need for subsequent surgeries to remove permanent implants. The resin's properties, such as strength and elasticity, can be adjusted, making it suitable for both hard and soft tissue applications, including tumor removal, orthopaedic devices, and trauma reconstruction. Unlike some existing materials, 4Degra™ degrades from the surface without releasing acidic by-products that can cause inflammation.

The company's business model focuses on supplying its liquid resins and 3D-printed components to medical device manufacturers and healthcare practitioners in the UK, EU, and USA. Revenue streams include direct product sales, licensing agreements, and partnerships. In July 2021, the company secured £1.6 million in a funding round led by DSW Ventures, and in July 2024, it raised an additional £3.4 million in a Series A round. This funding is aimed at completing pre-clinical testing for its initial product line and obtaining FDA clearance for the US market.