Fibroheal Snapshot:
Founded: 2017
Based in: Bengaluru
Founders: Vivek Mishra, Bharat Tandon, Subramanian Shivaraman
Focus Area: Silk Protein-based wound care
2024 Plan: Expand Globally, Innovate Continuously.
Fibroheal Woundcare Pvt Ltd stands as a beacon of progress in this dynamic industry, renowned for its groundbreaking work in biomaterials.
In this exclusive FounderLabs, delves into the remarkable journey of Fibroheal under the visionary leadership of its Founder and CEO, Vivek Mishra.
Since its inception, Fibroheal has excelled in developing advanced hemostatic products, and this year marks a significant milestone for the company. Amid expansions and enhancements at their state-of-the-art manufacturing and R&D facilities—now 10 to 12 times their original capacity—
Fibroheal is poised to introduce an exciting new line of products that promise to revolutionize the market. When we interacted with Vivek, he asserted that Fibroheal aims to expand its reach to 2,000 hospitals within the country and various international markets.
The company is preparing for the next stage of growth on the global roadmap, aspiring to be known for its innovative products, versatile solutions and contribution to the economic multiplier potential of silk and other biomaterials.
Our conversation with Vivek Mishra offers an insider’s look at these developments, including the eagerly anticipated launch of “Fibroplug,” a product set to redefine standards in surgical care with its superior bleeding control capabilities.
The young entrepreneur boast that Fibroheal has over two dozen strong academic connections and collaborations, including esteemed institutions like IISc Bangalore, NCL Pune, various IITs, and Manipal Academy of Higher Education and half a dozen industry partners involved in different stages of research for various products.
Join us as we explore how Fibroheal’s innovations are not just keeping pace with industry demands but setting new benchmarks in medical technology:
Revolutionizing Comprehensive Wound Care
Creating a Comprehensive Wound Care since its inception in 2017, Fibroheal has been at the forefront of addressing various types of wounds according to the TIMES model (Tissue Management, Infection and Inflammation, Moisture Management, Epithelialization, Scar management).
The products and solutions covers most stages and types of wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers, bed sores, ischemic ulcers, Cesarean/C-section wounds, postoperative care, laparoscopic wound care, stretch and scar management, burns, trauma, and accidental bleeding.
FounderLabs sought to learn about the recent products and collaborations that the company is pursuing.
According to Vivek, “Fibroheal is enhancing its capabilities and collaborations related to the development of various soft tissue and dermal matrices, which will serve as a pipeline to fuel the next stage of development and growth.”
The Journey that Led to Fibroheal
Vivek Mishra’s path to founding Fibroheal is as fascinating as it is unique. While studying pharmacy, Vivek first encountered the potential of silk as a biomedical material in a pharmacognosy text by C.K. Kokate, sparking his initial curiosity.
Years later, while leading the hybrid rice seed business for a Tata Group company, an encounter with a tassar silk cocoon in Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh—a silk grown on trees
and known locally as ‘hunted silk’—reignited his interest.
Vivek’s journey took a pivotal turn when a cardiothoracic surgeon from the Indian Air Force introduced him to Mr. Bharat Tandon, an entrepreneur in the animal health sector who had established Vet-care, a company that later formed a joint venture with the Dutch firm Provimi and was subsequently acquired by Cargill.
Today, Fibroheal stands as a comprehensive wound care provider, utilizing silk and its proteins to address various types and stages of wounds.
Challenges in Developing Fibroheal’s Solution
Out of many challenges, major were to align people to the common vision that YES’ SILK CAN HEAL WOUNDS and SILK PROTEINS is beyond sarees and textiles.
In creating any new venture that takes a new company with a new concept, the requirement goes up 4X. 4 times more commitment, 4 times more passion, 4 times more belief, 4 times more focus, 4 times more funds, 4 times more don’t give up attitude say’s Mishra.
Regulatory and funding challenges
Regulatory challenegs were seperate as Silk protein is a self-assembling protein and today, they have full control over the material.
The biggest challenge was having people who are committed and then aligning them to the common vision and goal of Fibroheal beyond individuals, departments, and teams.
Building a Cohesive Team
Building a committed team was a challenge as dealing with people mean dealing with their commitment, their egos and eagerness to take challenge and build up the company.
We aligned everyone to the common goal by hiring the people who are enthusiastic, energetic, go-getters and have fire in their belly.
Culture of Fibroheal is we stand by our people, and there is a strong sense of ownership within the team for working on a bigger cause which is building Fibroheal says Vivek Mishra.
Innovation & Collaboration at Fibroheal
At Fibroheal, innovation is ingrained in our culture. Fibroheal fosters an environment where mistakes are learning opportunities, encouraging “blue-sky” research.
As per him continuous self-improvement is vital; each day, we strive to be better. Alignment with a common goal fuels our success, transcending individual interests. Leadership inspires, with passion, honesty, and empowerment at its core.
Our technology platform explores diverse sectors, showcasing silk protein’s versatility. This culture of innovation drives our limitless potential.
Fibroheal Influencing the Industry Matrix
Fibroheal is poised to become a major force in the wound management and care industry, offering effective and cost-efficient solutions that address various types and stages of wounds.
They utilize material that is not only abundant but also underutilized, setting a new standard in the industry. “I am delighted to see many new technologies and new entrants in this space,” say Vivek.
The company is aligned with the national goals of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) and “make local, go global,” supporting a vision where local innovation leads to global success.
Scaling Up Fibroheal’s Operations for Wider Reach
Fibroheal is gearing up for an ambitious expansion to broaden its impact and reach. To be a staple in over 2000 hospitals across India this year, with plans to embark on international exports within the next 18 months. But that’s just the beginning.
With a robust research pipeline brimming with promising concepts and products, our plate is full for the next 48 to 60 months. To support this growth trajectory, Fibroheal is bolstering its team size to meet demands of our digital initiatives.
Revolutionizing Non-Textile Applications with Silk Proteins
Silk proteins hold boundless potential beyond the textile industry, offering a myriad of possibilities in cosmetics, wound healing, tissue reconstruction, bone regeneration, ocular treatments, and even enhancing the shelf life of food products.
The versatility of silk proteins extends to nutraceutical applications as well. As per Vivek only just scratched the surface of what silk and its proteins can achieve, particularly in the realm of wound healing applications.
Unveiling Cutting-Edge Innovations
Exciting developments are underway at Fibroheal, with the unveiling of our state-of-the-art integrated manufacturing plant and R&D center. Among our latest offerings is the eagerly awaited “FIBROPLUG,” set to hit the market in April 2024.
This groundbreaking product is the result of a remarkable industry- academia collaboration between Fibroheal and a student supported by the Material Science Department of IISc under the PMRF initiative, led by Prof. Kaushik Chatterjee’s lab.
Together, we’ve traversed numerous chasms to bring this novel and unique science in form of product to the market.
Pearl of Wisdom for aspiring Entrepreneurs
‘Build a strong foundation of what you want to do and why you want to do it, then it is clear and easy’ say Vivek Mishra.
