A Sheffield Science and investment scheme has helped to develop treatment for the 430 million people who experience hearing loss globally.
Rinri Therapeutics, a biotechnology company, which arose from the University of Sheffield has been pioneering stem cell therapies to treat hearing loss aided by an investment from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
Rinri Therapeutics CEO, Dr Simon Chandler, said: “It has helped us get to where we are now, where we are on the cusp of going into clinical trials later this year which is a big milestone for us.”
The non-departmental governmental body, UKRI, is the largest investor of public money in the UK, investing £8 billion annually to support research and innovation.
In the UKRI’s recent Shaped in Sheffield campaign, which highlighted how Sheffield is leading in ‘invention and ingenuity’ through advertising on billboards and posters across the city, spotlighted the work of Rinri Therapeutics.
James Harper, campaigns and portfolio lead at UKRI, said: “The particular point is to demonstrate how public investment in science and innovation isn’t all about labs and white coats and difficult stuff. It’s about innovations and research that help people in their daily lives.”
With the help of the UKRI investment which was key to funding early pre-clinical development, Rinri Therapeutics have also been able to connect with more partners and experts, enabling them to hopefully begin clinical trials later this year.
In their Sheffield campaign, UKRI promoted a total of five Sheffield based projects, from scientific projects like Rinri Therapeutics to helping families with early literacy.
The UKRI is guided by an aim of ‘making science come alive to everyday people’ and showing Sheffield as a city that thrives in the modern world.’
James Harper, said: “Sheffield’s an excellent example of proud industrial history, huge talent and skills that we want to demonstrate.”
Dr Chandler agreed: “One thing it does is help retain Rinri within the Sheffield ecosystem rather than being pulled down south or even further abroad.”