Silk Beyond Elegance: Bengaluru-based Indian startup is redefining wound care with silk proteins
Hello Readers,
Ready for yet another fascinating story from the Indian Biotech landscape?
Before diving into the startup story, let me ask you a simple question.
Did you know that silk fibers can be used in wound healing?
If you thought that silkworms are used to weave a saree or only in the fabric industry, then think again.
Because silk fibers are now being used in wound healing and wound care, and that is the topic we are going to discuss today.
A Forbes-featured Startup — FIBROHEAL is focused on making comprehensive wound care from silk using it as bio-materials.
We got the privilege to chat with Mr. Vivek Mishra, the visionary behind FIBROHEAL WOUND CARE PRIVATE LIMITED who shared insights on the company’s path, the challenges encountered, and their outlook for the future.
In this article, we will discuss the conversation we had with Vivek Mishra and his Silk Protein-based Comprehensive Wound Care startup.
So, you might be wondering, what’s Fibroheal all about?
Well, at its core, Fibroheal’s mission is to revolutionize wound healthcare.
The CHALLENGES in traditional WOUND HEALING:
- Any wound or skin damage of any nature takes time to heal.
- Wounds when left in the open can be healed but are infection-prone in general.
- If the wound or skin damages are closed there is a probability of bacterial infection and septicemia.
- So what could be the possible or only way for faster wound healing? Likes of permeable material that helps in aeration of the wound while preventing or minimizing infection.
There are bioactive or biomaterial wound care dressing and interactive wound care techniques that surpass traditional wound care techniques. But silkworm fibers that are protein-based significantly cover both criteria in terms of their mode of action.
Vivek Mishra drew inspiration from silkworms that create a self-contained system within their cocoons.
He wondered how a closed system like a cocoon could still make the worm inside grow and complete metamorphosis. This sparked his interest in using silk proteins for wound management also answering the questions stated above.
It turns out, that silkworm /silk proteins can be transformed into bio-materials for wound care.
Mishra firmly believed in the potential of silk protein.
This belief, combined with scientific research and a flexible approach, led the company to transition from treating burns to offering a wide array of wound care solutions.
TECHNICAL DETAILS:
Faster healing(as compared to traditional methods) was also a key feature that was highlighted about their products through their patented product portfolio.
Silk fibroin has been known to induce wound healing by increasing cell proliferation and growth and migrating various types of cells which are involved in different stages of the wound healing process.
FIBROHEAL covers a comprehensive list of products that are classified under three categories:
CATEGORY 1: Active Wound-care requires
- Tissue debridement
- Infection and Inflammation Control
- Moisture balance adhesives
- Re-epithelialization and
- Scar management solutions
CATEGORY 2: Postoperative Care contains Aid-port dressing, adhesive & non-adhesive meshes, and sheets.
CATEGORY 3: Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient(API) contains silk protein powder, sericin solution, cosmetic applicational products, etc.,
Post-operative wound Aid port dressing — wound healing sheet. Picture Courtesy: The Hindhu
The journey of Fibroheal initially started with a focus on burns and developed into a variety of wounds.
As Mishra aptly puts it into words, “You need to be committed to your goals and flexible with the approach.”
Fibroheal’s journey has led them to explore a range of wound types, from acute to post-operative wounds.
Now, let’s dive deeper into the unique benefits of Fibroheal’s products.
- They cover the less travelled roads which are the likes of cosmetic and post-pregnancy wound applications that set them apart.
- Fibroheal works on creating an extensive selection of products with a large list for selection under the criteria of wounds, making it a comprehensive wound care facility. (as mentioned in the picture below)
- This diversity allows them to cater to distinct needs and provide real solutions for patients.
- These aren’t just passive solutions; they actively participate in the wound healing process wherein under the Wound Aid section, the products serve as a scaffold for cell attachment fastening the process of wound healing, possessing antimicrobial properties, and expediting wound closure.
- Post-operative transparent waterproof antimicrobial adhesive dressing sheets, Suture dressing, Scar-lite dressing adhesive sheet, Non-adherent microbial gauze dressing and Wound aid port dressing with silver-based silk protein specially designed for surgical incision ports.
- This proactive approach sets them apart, making their products faster than their traditional wound healing process.
NAVIGATING CHALLENGES :
Of course, navigating regulations and securing intellectual property in the biotech industry is no small feat.
Mishra emphasizes the importance of proving a product’s safety for public health through open communication and proactive cooperation with regulatory bodies.
On the intellectual property front, Fibroheal has built a strong foundation with certification patents and educational institution collaborations to ensure their research is valuable to both industry and academia.
One of their patent, Patent No: 333095- FIBROVID, is a broad-spectrum antiseptic ointment made from POVIDONE-IODINE & FIBROIN FORMULATION which enhances wound healing and faster wound closure.
FUNDING AND FINANCIAL STRATEGY
Early-stage startups often grapple with securing finances, but Fibroheal managed to fund their research through awards and grants.
Mishra highlights the significance of connecting with investors who understand the industry and its potential.
“It’s not just about having a brilliant idea; it’s about finding the right people who believe in your ability to execute it.”
When it comes to valuation and financial strategy, Mishra suggests that entrepreneurs need to balance their expectations with market realities.
The primary focus should be on creating something substantial, rather than maintaining strict control.
Ensuring that everyone involved, from suppliers to customers, benefits is a key aspect of the company’s success.
Talking about seed funding — Mishra suggests approximately 50 lakhs (5 million INR) is a reasonable amount for an early-stage startup.
It’s crucial to concentrate on building a minimum viable product and generating revenue, as revenue is the ultimate key to success.
“Making a product accessible and affordable for everyone is the end goal.”
In the realm of biotech entrepreneurship, building the right team and nurturing a strong work culture are major challenges.
Ensuring alignment with common goals, effective people management, and maintaining open and transparent communication are crucial for success.
“Adaptability is a critical trait in the constantly evolving world of biomedical innovation.”
CHALLENGES or ADVERSITIES OVERCOME
Dr. Mishra emphasizes that, despite the many technical challenges in the industry, managing human emotions is the most formidable hurdle.
When it comes to marketing, especially in the early stages, it’s essential for entrepreneurs to be their company’s most ardent advocates.
Mishra stresses that CEOs of start-ups should act as the company’s top salespeople and marketers.
Believing in the product, consistent follow-up, and open, honest communication with customers are key strategies for success.
EXPANSION STRATEGIES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK
Fibroheal’s journey into scaling its business involved careful anticipation of challenges, expanding facilities, and investing in the right equipment and personnel.
As the company grows, staying ahead of the curve and continually investing in the infrastructure are critical elements for success.
With the initial expansion from burn wounds to post-operative, pregnancy scars, they would also want to include diabetic wounds, cosmetics, and other wound care applications to their portfolio, in the future.
To maintain success, Mishra recommends a few regular steps:
“Keep communication open,
Resolve problems as they arise, and
Keep the team motivated.”
Fibroheal has also attained numerous academic and industry collaborations, enriching its range of products and research.
“Ultimately, it’s the people who drive the success of the company.” says Vivek Mishra.
Collaborating with educational institutions ensures their research remains relevant and valuable to both industry and academia.
In terms of competition, Mishra acknowledges that staying ahead of the game requires offering products that are cost-effective, superior, and provide clear benefits.
They have achieved this through an emphasis on product performance, affordability, and effective communication with customers, including healthcare professionals.
WORD FOR THE BUDDING ENTREPRENEURS
For aspiring biotech entrepreneurs, Mishra underlines the importance of self-belief supported by scientific evidence and a deep commitment to problem-solving.
“Enthusiasm, energy, and a focus on execution are vital in the biotech world.”
In the journey of Fibroheal, the inspiration comes from the realization that the company is responsible for its employee's livelihood, and their trust and support are of utmost importance.
The joy of saving limbs and improving patients’ quality of life is the motivation that keeps the team moving forward.
In conclusion, Fibroheal’s journey, from inspiration to innovation, regulatory approval, and market success, offers valuable lessons.
Their commitment to creating affordable, effective products, fostering a strong team culture, and maintaining open communication have been the pillars of their success, making them a beacon of innovation in the field of wound care.
REFERENCES:
https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/A-silken-touch-to-healing/article16668987.ece
https://www.nsmedicaldevices.com/news/five-wound-healing-technologies/
https://yourstory.com/2021/09/funding-medtech-startup-fibroheal-woundcare-karnataka-venture-kitven
https://biopatrika.com/2020/10/06/fibroheal-woundcare/
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijps/2021/9069924/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0734975015300495
https://lopyanko.eu/project/silk-sericin/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41745-019-00114-y
