Now the redoubtable Financial Times reports the deal as reports the deal as worth more than £70m over the next decade. and notes the Burdica achievement owes much to the Edinburgh University  Pre-Incubator Scheme (Epis), which helped to launch the company providing accommodation as well as mentoring support and an interest-free loan of £10,000.

BBL founded in 2007, has product expertise in therapeutic application of one specific biopolymer, hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is a naturally occurring substance which contributes to the moisturisation, lubrication and elasticity of various types of body tissues.

Produced by the body, it is absorbed by the body, making it useful for non-permanent implants; has properties that contribute to wound healing for post-operative and other tissue repair applications. And it has significant anti-ageing properties, giving it various potential cosmetic applications as well as a product aimed at aiding fertility.

Driving the  team of 10 at BBL, which has worked under the radar of six press releases in two years,  are Kevin Burd MBA (right) and Dr Xiaobin Zhao, (left) who between them have over 30 years of experience in the biomedical and medical devices sector.

Kevin Burd, Burdica's CEO, is recognised for his operations management expertise and commercial acumen. Xiaobin Zhao, now a consultant to the company, have extensive experience of R&D and commercialisation of advanced medical polymers. Both were involved in the successful launch of Puragen into the anti-ageing market.

Burd noted that "Around 40m couples in China are estimated to be experiencing difficulty conceiving..clearly a significant market and a key milestone for Burdica."