GAMA Healthcare
Through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), we developed clinical wet wipes to help tackle hospital 'superbug' infections.
Clinically effective
GAMA Healthcare Ltd is a UK market leader in the antimicrobial wet wipe product industry. They are one of the largest suppliers of wet wipes to the NHS in the UK and export products to over 40 countries worldwide.
The company previously had no in-house laboratories and outsourced all of its testing and development work to Professor Jean-Yves Maillard's research group at the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. These laboratory studies evidence that the company's Clinell Sporicidal wipe products are superior to competitors'. However hospitals are now demanding clinical proof that antimicrobial wipes are effective against the so-called 'superbug', Clostridium difficile.
A KTP grant was awarded by Innovate UK and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs to support a two year project with Professor Jean-Yves Maillard. Microbiologist Harsha Siani, the KTP Associate, was employed to manage the project and transfer the required scientific knowledge and expertise into GAMA, with the aims of enhancing products, creating data demonstrating their efficacy, lay the foundation for an in-house research and development facility and to train staff across multiple departments to embed new capability.
We have received great support from Cardiff University, not just in terms of enhancing our knowledge but in terms of practically embedding technological capability that enables us to continue as a UK market leader. Working together has enabled us to be an integral part of innovative research.
Exceeded expectations
As a direct result of the KTP, GAMA strengthened key areas of the business and its research and development capability, enabling the company to remain at the forefront of innovation and sustain product development. The company is also able to offer scientific advice and support to existing customers as an additional service, further setting them apart from their competitors.
Interaction with industry is crucial to optimise research application.
Exceeding the project's original expectations, the partnership was rated highly by Innovate UK who graded the project 'outstanding'. Its achievements were also recognised at the Cardiff University's Innovation and Impact Awards 2015, winning the Business Innovation Award and also elected the 'People's Choice' winner, an award voted for by the general public.
The KTP has increased the University's international reputation in infection control, emphasising the importance of translational research. Professor Jean-Yves Maillard stated, "Interaction with industry is crucial to optimise research application 'in the real world' and create impactful innovation - here, ensuring the product used as part of the infection control regimen in healthcare settings can make a difference and help infection control against troublesome pathogens."
Gain a competitive edge by working with our academics and facilities through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP).