KeriCure: Tampa Researcher Creates Liquid Bandage

A University of South Florida (USF) alum has launched a company that produces a liquid bandage she plans to market to veterinarians, with the hopes of getting FDA approval to later sell for human use.

Dr. Kerriann Greenhalgh launched KeriCure, Inc in January 2011, which holds the exclusive worldwide rights to all medical applications of the technology behind its liquid bandage.

"What we have is a topical bandage product that is covered for sales in veterinary," explains Greenhalgh. "So that's where we're going to start. We're hoping to sell to vets in the next couple months. We're also filing for FDA approval for use on humans."

The bandage is a solid but elastic barrier that mirrors properties of the skin, providing a breathable film that covers damaged tissue. Because it's so flexible, it can provide protection for wounded parts of the body that would normally be difficult for conventional bandages to cover. The liquid bandage also is bacteria resistant. 

Greenhalgh says that while her experience in the private Research and Development sector helped her learn the business behind promoting her product, she owes much to USF for helping her develop both the product and the company. 

"I attended USF as undergrad, where I earned a chemistry degree," explains Greenhalgh. "I got to do research for Edward Turos, PhD, a professor there. He convinced me to stay and go to grad school. While I was there I was lucky enough to get a fellowship where I was required to develop a product for skin.

"As I was developing my product for preclinical trials and presenting it, I was hired to work for a company as a product manager. I got first FDA approval while I was working for them. When that company moved to Georgia, I didn't want to shelve my skin product any more. So I started doing research on how to go about getting it approved. Then I sat down with a group of colleagues at USF and they said go for it. And I did. Without USF, I wouldn't have been able to do all this."

Writer: Missy Kavanaugh
Source: Kerriann Greenhalgh, KeriCure