The revolutionary pouch cover, Ostique products are designed with the unique needs of every ostomate in mind.
The need
Motivated by family members who had personally experienced Crohn's disease, a typical condition that precedes stoma surgery, Stephanie believed that Crohn's patients delay having stoma surgery that could significantly improve their quality of life (sometimes for years) as the products they were using to manage their condition could be innovated. As a result, she started researching the medical devices used by patients with stomas. As part of her study, Stephanie conducted research with a group of ostomates to better understand the psychological and practical effects of the condition. In order to address some of the visual restrictions and consequent psychological effects of current ostomy devices, she worked on the prototype for an externally worn device to cover the stoma bag. This effort resulted in the foundation of her firm Ostique in 2017 and the introduction of Ostique Sk.ns in 2022. Ostique has worked closely with Sk.ns since the beginning of the company to develop their line of stoma bags, addressing the demands and common complaints of patients head-on. They are currently getting ready to launch their product later this year.
When she needed some additional expertise to handle the company’s research data analysis, Stephanie contacted Brunel to find out what was available.
The solution
A conversation with Dr Michael Joseph in the Research Support and Development Office introduced her to Dr Fotios Drenos, a senior lecturer in genetic epidemiology who specialises in computational medicine and statistical genetics of common complex disease. The plan is Dr Drenos to support Ostique for six months as their development of a stoma bag progresses into mass manufacturing, and further validation.
In the same conversation, Dr Joseph offered Stephanie a place on the 2022 RIEm programme, to equip her to apply for future rounds of funding for innovation. The Research, Innovate and Emerge (RIEm) support is available to UK business owners like her whose ideas need rigorous testing, refining, as well as development funding. The programme begins with a review of the firm’s activities which leads to the development of a strategic plan for the business. The Brunel team help to identify sources of funding and explore the practicalities of putting the firm’s plan into action. When ready, the experts help with drafting the Research and Innovation (R&I) concept paper, and then create a joint R&I proposal ready for submission to funders.
The outcome
- Successful development a product that could reach 2 million ostomates worldwide with a market worth around £2.6 billion.
- Successful achievement of the relevant accreditations.
- Planned availability of stoma bag range to market via prescription later in 2023, to accompany Ostique Sk.ns which are already available via Ostique’s website.
- Strengthened knowledge about funding opportunities and proposal writing.
The RIEm Programme and mentoring came at a time when I was exploring how we might collaborate with new partners like Brunel. I already have strong relationships with relevant charities such as Bowel Cancer UK and with NHS partners, but knowing I have access to the academic rigour of my university is fantastic. What is also apparent is that many of the lecturers come from industry so have experience of how businesses operate.
I enjoyed meeting and discussing business matters with other small companies, and the notes I took about how to apply for funding are ready to pull out when the time is right.
Stephanie Monty, Founder of Ostique
Stephanie was very focused on RIEm programme to achieve maximum positive impact on Ostique. We are delighted to help Ostique to optimise their innovation, the company founded by a Brunel University Alumna.
Dr Michael Joseph, Business Development Manager (Healthcare and MedTech) & RIEm Lead
Get in touch with the project team member(s) for this case study
Paratharayil
i have managed large partnerships for a budget of £5million with private sector organisations in the uk and overseas. i have led capacity strengthening programmes in resource mobilisation strategy and business model canvas, marketing strategy and proposal development. i have experience in developing route-to-market strategies and investment pitches in healthcare and medtech. i currently lead brunel's sme capacity strengthening project on engagement and research and innovation & business resilience fund. i also manage projects in knowledge exchange and health innovation. i contribute to brunel's early career academic capacity development programmes and south east asia and south asia regional working group in addition to innovation ecosystem management for specific r&i projects. connect with me on linkedin
Dr Michael Paratharayil
I have managed large partnerships for a budget of £5million with private sector organisations in the UK and overseas. I have led capacity strengthening programmes in resource mobilisation strategy and business model canvas, marketing strategy and proposal development. I have experience in developing route-to-market strategies and investment pitches in healthcare and MedTech. I currently lead Brunel's SME Capacity strengthening project on Engagement and Research and Innovation & Business Resilience Fund. I also manage projects in knowledge exchange and health innovation. I contribute to Brunel's Early Career Academic Capacity Development Programmes and South East Asia and South Asia Regional Working Group in addition to innovation ecosystem management for specific R&I projects. Connect with me on LinkedIn
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Case study last modified 12/06/2023