Stemming from world-class research
Stemming from world-class research
About us
Renovos, based in Southampton, UK, is commercialising the world-class research undertaken at the University of Southampton and draws on over 50 years of combined expertise in skeletal stem cells, translational orthopaedic research and materials for tissue repair.
This pioneering work is led by our two academic founders:
- Prof Richard Oreffo, OBE, professor Emeritus, Fellow of International Orthopaedic Research, Fellow of Academy of Medical Sciences
- Prof Jon Dawson, professorial fellow of regenerative medicine, Deputy Head of School (Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise) and technology expert in biomaterials and nanoclays
and supported by the expertise of the whole orthopaedic regenerative medicine research team.
Adding precision to the power of biologics through pioneering use of nanoclay gels stemming from world-class stem cell research
The Team
Dr Agnieszka Janeczek
Co-Founder / CEO
Agnieszka has a PhD in Biomedicine and MSc in Medical biotechnology with a proven regenerative medicine track record, including stem cells, drug delivery systems and nanomaterials, and so brings over a decade of technical expertise to the company. Agnieszka has been supported by the Innovate UK/SETsquared ICURe and Southampton Science Park Catalyst Programmes, enabling her to gather relevant market research, co-found Renovos and define the development and commercialisation pathways for Renovos’ different products. She is passionate about commercialising novel medical technologies. Agnieszka is leading on the business development activities and operations, and oversees the commercial development of our product portfolio.
James Otter
Co-founder / Chairman
James has extensive corporate commercial experience including a range of international management positions with Zeneca Agrochemicals and led a major turnaround while on the board of Spectris plc. Over the last 15 years he has focused on the bioscience SME sector, both as an investor while chairman of Hygea VCT and as CEO of several SMEs focused on imaging, drug delivery, telemedicine and cell culture. James brings a wealth of invaluable start-up, investment, governance and commercialisation experience to Renovos Biologics Ltd., essential to the role of Chairman.
Prof Richard Oreffo, DSc (Oxon) FMedSci OBE
Co-founder / CSO
Richard is Professor Emeritus of Musculoskeletal Science at the University of Southampton. Richard has trained 56 MD/PhD interdisciplinary scientists, published widely (>350 papers ; H index 84; >25,950 citations ISI WoS) and holds 9 patents. His work focuses on the application of regenerative medicine in the treatment of devastating bone conditions with translation a key personal driver. His research led to the first 3D titanium bone stem impaction graft operation in the UK. Richard is a fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences. He was awarded an OBE in the King’s New Year’s Honours for services to education equality and musculoskeletal science. As CSO Richard is able to leverage his extensive professional network and profile in the field of regenerative medicine and determines scientific direction of Renovos.
Prof Jon Dawson
Co-founder / CTO
Jon leads a research group exploring the application of self-assembling nanomaterials in regenerative medicine, following a personal fellowship from the EPSRC. Jon has over 15 years’ experience in the field of clay-based applications and is recognised for his world-leading expertise in clay-gel research. He has published widely in journals such as Nature Communications, Advanced Materials, Stem Cells and Biomaterials and is an inventor on three patents. In 2010 he was awarded The Engineer Award for a collaboration with industry and clinicians developing an intra-operative bone marrow stem cell concentration method. He also led the development, in collaboration with Winchester Science Centre, of the award-winning Stem Cell Mountain public engagement exhibit which has now engaged over 600,000 people with core themes in stem cells and regenerative medicine. Jon drives the nanoclay development studies for Renovos.
Dr Lisa Ferrara
Non-Executive Director
Lisa brings over 25 years of experience in orthopaedic medical device innovation and regulatory strategy in the USA. She is managing partner of Hypoid Ventures, LLC, a technology consulting firm. She previously founded OrthoKinetic Technologies and OrthoKinetic Testing Technologies, LLC — two highly successful companies specializing in medical device evaluation, strategic positioning, and regulatory success, which were later acquired. She founded and directed the Spine Research Laboratory at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic Foundation, has authored over 60 journal publications and edited 26 book chapters. She also has numerous patents to her name. Lisa is a member of several healthcare advisory boards and editorial boards of leading orthopaedic and spine journals, including Neurospine.
Providing next-generation precision delivery platform
Innovative research has led to spectacular progress in the field of precision regenerative medicine helping active younger demographics and the world’s ageing populations remain active for longer.