Tom Barker, PhD (SelSym Biotech)
Overview
Tom Barker, Ph.D., is a renowned scientist and co-founder of SelSym Biotech, a company specializing in the development of advanced biotechnological solutions for critical healthcare needs, particularly focusing on hemorrhage control and wound healing. Dr. Barker is also a respected professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia. His work integrates engineering principles with cellular and molecular biology to understand and manipulate the extracellular matrix, particularly in tissue repair and fibrosis.
Recent Developments
- April 2024: SelSym Biotech announced a breakthrough in synthetic platelet-like particles which effectively control bleeding and enhance healing in animal models. This advancement, known as SymClot, highlights the potential of synthetic biomaterials in replacing traditional platelets, which face challenges like short shelf life and dependency on donors.
- September 2024: A study co-authored by Tom Barker and published in the journal Science Translational Medicine demonstrated that these synthetic platelets significantly reduced bleeding in preclinical models. The study showcased the particles' biocompatibility and safety, marking a significant step toward clinical application.
- February 2025: SelSym Biotech plans to seek further funding for scaling up production and advancing toward clinical trials, leveraging previous NIH funding successes. The company aims to file for FDA approval for human trials within the next two years, with the potential to revolutionize emergency and surgical bleeding management.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tom Barker, Ph.D. |
| Born | Information Not Available |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Professor, Co-Founder of SelSym Biotech |
| Known For | Developing Synthetic Platelets, Prof. at UVA |
| Net Worth | Not Disclosed |
| Education | Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham |
Early Life and Education
Tom Barker pursued his academic interests in biological and chemical sciences, leading to a profound career in biomedical engineering. He completed his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, focusing on the intersection of cellular biology and engineering. His interest in the extracellular matrix and its role in tissue repair led to collaborations with leading researchers and innovation in medical therapies.
Career and Notable Achievements
- Co-Founder of SelSym Biotech: Barker's role in founding SelSym Biotech was motivated by a vision to address critical shortages in medical supplies like blood platelets. This led to the development of SynPlate and SymClot technologies, which mimic the natural blood clotting process.
- Academic Contributions: As a professor at UVA, Barker has published extensively on extracellular matrix biology and regenerative medicine. His research has received funding from prestigious institutions such as the NIH and the Department of Defense.
- Awards and Recognition:
- NIH Director’s Transformative Research Award (2015)
- American Society for Matrix Biology’s Iozzo Award (2016)
Current Work and Impact
Dr. Barker's current efforts with SelSym Biotech involve translating lab-scale innovations in synthetic platelets to scalable clinical applications. His work is pivotal in potentially transforming emergency medicine by providing alternatives to traditional platelet transfusions, which are often in short supply.
Conclusion
Tom Barker's contributions to biotechnology and medical engineering are paving the way for significant advancements in healthcare. Through his work with SelSym Biotech and his academic research, Barker is poised to make lasting impacts on patient treatment protocols, particularly in trauma care and regenerative medicine. His vision of developing scalable synthetic biomaterials could redefine emergency medical responses and improve global health outcomes.