The agreement signed between Católica Porto Business School and FETALDISC, a company founded by researchers from the Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), is based on an analysis of the market potential of FETALIX, an innovative biomaterial inspired by fetal tissues for the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration, one of the major causes of low back pain.

This partnership between the two entities reflects Católica Porto Business School's commitment to strengthening the connection between academia and business.

To lead this challenge, a team was formed with the participation of João Novais, guest professor, Pedro Pinto, Industry Fellow, and Francisco Mota, Master in Finance from Católica Porto Business School in October 2023 and who joined the project in November of the same year. Including a former student highlights the importance of the Catholic Porto Business School's educational program, which stands out not only for its academic quality but also for its ability to prepare its students to face real market challenges. Francisco Mota highlights: “It is a unique opportunity to apply the knowledge acquired throughout my academic career in such an innovative project with such a potential impact. I am excited to be able to contribute to the financial analysis of this patent, which represents an important technological advance.”

In addition to the economic and technological impact, FETALIX has the potential to offer a less invasive and more accessible treatment alternative for low back pain. This approach can significantly reduce healthcare costs associated with this condition while improving patients' quality of life.

This partnership between FETALDISC and Católica Porto Business School successfully illustrates how collaboration between business and academia can be fruitful, joining efforts to promote technological innovations with a solid social and economic impact.