Igraine business strategy is to source and develop breakthrough innovative technologies and commercially attractive discoveries in the health, medtech and life science sectors worldwide.
We target innovative technologies and discoveries using an extensive network of scientific, industry and academic contacts including eminent scientists and key opinion leaders. Our network also enables us to pursue relationships with pharmaceutical companies which are both a potential source of innovative opportunities and potential acquirers.
The team has developed relationships over many years with leading universities and other academic and research institutions globally and maintain close working relationships with premier professional advisers and fund managers.
Igraine works with institutional and individual investment partners and has a formal co-investment agreement with Excalibur Healthcare Services Ltd.
Igraine has invested in Excalibur Medicines Ltd (“EML”), a subsidiary of Excalibur Healthcare Services Ltd. EML has secured exclusive rights to and owns the COVID-19 patents on a drug, AZD1656, which is being developed as a potential therapeutic for diabetics suffering from COVID-19.
As there are very few new therapeutics in development for COVID-19 and associated virally transmitted diseases (most research is in combining existing treatments) this has the potential to be highly attractive to big pharma and biotech buyers. Further, if the trials are successful, it is likely the drug will be effective for the general population in COVID -19 and in other respiratory diseases. It is expected that the results of the Phase 2 trials of the drug – the ARCADIA trial – to assess the safety and efficacy of AZD1656 in 150 patients with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes who have been hospitalised with COVID-19, will be made public by mid-August 2021. AZD1656 is a glucokinase (GK; hexokinase 4) activator which has been shown to reduce blood glucose for up to 4 months in humans.
The aim of the ARCADIA trial is to determine whether AZD1656 improves clinical outcomes in diabetic patients hospitalised with COVID-19. The World Health Organisation (WHO) 8-point Ordinal Scale for Clinical Improvement will be used as the standard methodology for measuring patient outcomes. As at date of publication, 156 patients have been recruited and have completed treatment. The data is now being assessed and outcomes will be reported formally on or about mid-August2021. It is the intention of EML to seek a sale of the drug, a license or partnership deal as soon as possible after the data is published.
Igraine has invested in Fixit Medical Ltd (“Fixit”), the next generation drainage catheter fixation device.
Fixit, a research and experimental development company focused on social sciences and humanities, is the sole owner, designer and developer of Cingo® (“Cingo”), the next drainage catheter fixation device. Cingo features best in class catheter fixation through a pull-force dissipating design and an estimated two-week wear time. Cingo also boasts a revolutionary design that protects catheters from twisting and kinking, providing easy access to the catheter exit site for improved visibility and cleaning, and includes a breakthrough integral shower-safe feature.
Fixit CEO and Inventor of Cingo, Dr. Robert Ward, MB BS FRCS FRCR, is a specialist in vascular and interventional radiology and has developed the most advanced and patient-centric drainage catheter fixation device available today
Igraine will holds 434 ordinary shares in Fixit representing 20 per cent of Fixit’s share capital. Included in the subscription, Igraine secured rights of pre-emption on any new issues of shares by Fixit, although no further capital raises are anticipated.
