A wearable plaster that delivers light therapy could replace surgery for tens of thousands of skin cancer patients in the UK each year. Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) costs the NHS an estimated £750 million annually. The standard treatment—surgery—removes tissue, often requires skin grafts, and carries a risk of post-operative wound infections that drive antibiotic use and resistance. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective alternative that clears NMSC with minimal discomfort, but current PDT requires patients to sit in low light for up to three hours after applying a photosensitiser, then receive treatment with bulky, expensive lasers available only at specialist NHS centres. This creates unequal access to care. The Phototherapeutic Smart Plaster combines a photosensitiser-loaded hydrogel with light-delivery fibres in a single, wireless patch. Patients could apply it at home, eliminating the need for hospital visits and expensive laser equipment. If validated, the plaster would cut treatment costs, reduce antibiotic reliance, and make PDT available to all NMSC patients regardless of where they live. The nine-month project will finalise the hydrogel formulation, validate the plaster’s performance in cell models, secure CE/UKCA marking, and prepare for commercial licensing to 3G Medical.
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Research Question How can the Phototherapeutic Smart Plaster address clinical, operational, and health inequality challenges in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer care? Background Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC) is one of the UK’s most common skin diseases, costing the NHS an estimated £750M annually. Surgery remains the mainstay treatment, often requiring tissue removal and skin grafts and chemotherapy is used as secondary options. A key issue with surgery is post-op wound infections, frequently treated with antibiotics and dressings, but chronic infections are rising and contributing to antibiotic resistance. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) has emerged as an effective alternative, offering complete NMSC clearance with minimal discomfort and quick recovery. Despite its potential, PDT adoption is limited by practical challenges. Current procedures require patients to remain in low light for up to 3 hours after photosensitiser application, followed by treatment with bulky, expensive lasers. Access is restricted to specialist NHS centres, creating inequalities in care. The Smart Plaster offers a novel, wearable solution, combining a photosensitiser-loaded gel and light-delivery fibres in a single, wireless patch. Designed for ease of use, it brings PDT out of the hospital and into patients’ homes, cutting costs, improving access, and enabling equitable care for all NMSC patients. Aims and Objectives This project will develop and validate the Smart Plaster as a wireless, wearable, portable, self-contained and transformative therapeutic plaster for the treatment and management of NMSC The objectives of project study will be: 1. Finalise photosensitiser hydrogel formulation and validate Smart Plaster to ensure PDT equivalent to clinical dosages can be administered. 2. Undertake IP strategy and FTO analysis to minimise infringement risks and improve commercialisation of Smart Plaster. 3. Obtain CE/UKCA marking for Smart Plaster in preparation for subsequent clinical investigation and commercialisation, via licensing to 3G Medical. Work Packages The 9-month project covers 3 work packages: WP1 develops the Smart Plaster (SP) from TRL3 to TRL7, validating fabrication, performance, and PDT efficacy in NMSC cell models. WP2 analyses IP, FTO, and market landscape, filing patents and evaluating competitors. WP3 prepares CE/UKCA documentation and MHRA Class IIa classification. Co-designed with NHS Tayside and PPI group, SP aims to deliver affordable, accessible PDT for NMSC patients at home, easing NHS burden and promoting health equity. Knowledge mobilisation, dissemination and impact This project will be showcased via regional NHS and NIHR networks. PPI group at UoB will provide feedback via feedback workshops. Dundee will support dissemination via NHS Scotland and the Scottish PDT Centre. Findings will be shared at the British Association of Dermatologists Annual Meeting and the British Journal of Dermatology. GALDERMA (where SI is advisor) and other industry partners will be targeted. The Smart Plaster will also be promoted at the Bionow Yorkshire Bio-partnering event. The project will drive clinical validation and improve access, allowing home use, lowering treatment costs, and reducing antibiotic reliance post-surgery. Research Inclusion With support from the UoB Service User and Carer Group, the PPI group will represent the rich and diverse population of Bradford, directly and indirectly impacted by NMSC and access to healthcare.
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