In August 2016 the privately held firm Stratech was acquired by U.K.-based Mallinckrodt (NYSE: MNK. The regenerative medicine company, Stratatech Corporation (aka Startatech LLC) had been working on cell-based skin substitute. Stratatech's progenitor keratinocyte (the predominant cell type in the skin's outermost layer, the epidermis) tissue-engineering technology produces living tissues designed to mimic human skin and promote tissue regeneration. Spun out of the University of Wisconcin, Madison, Stratatech Corporation is a regenerative medicine company focused on the development of cell-based, tissue-engineered products for wound care. The keystone of Stratatech's approach is a proprietary human skin cell line that when properly cultured forms a fully stratified multi-layered human tissue with the physical strength and biological characteristics of intact human skin. This biologically active tissue is suitable for transplantation on patients using traditional surgical suturing techniques and should actively promote wound healing by the patients own cells. Stratatech is developing new products that have been genetically enhanced to over-express natural, human wound-healing factors that reduce infection, improve blood flow to the wound, and increase the rate of healing with reduced scarring. The firm's initial product development focus is on wound care products for soft tissue wounds, diabetic ulcers, and pressure ulcers. The Companys NIKS cell technology and expertise in skin biology also provide future product opportunities in the skin care cosmeceutical market as well as the cosmetic surgery market.
