A COMPANY on Teesside expects its turnover to push into the millions next year as it plans to launch its female health product into clinics nationwide.

Femeda Limited has developed a revolutionary medical treatment for urinary incontinence and intends to sell the product into the clinical market before the end of the year.

The Middlesbrough firm has also developed a second similar product for the retail market, which is to undergo clinical testing at the University of Manchester.

Chief executive Alison Kibble said: "We expect the products will sell in high volumes and that turnover will be in the several millions next year. We employ seven people, but the company will expand rapidly and we will have to take on more staff."

At least one third of women suffer from a degree of bladder weakness in their lifetime, and Femeda has developed disposable devices to help people improve their condition.

The firm has recently secured £2m of funding which has been led by NorthStar Equity Investors, together with Stargate Capital Management, Acceleris Corporate Ventures and Enterprise Ventures.

Richard Watson, deal manager at Newcastle-based North- Star, said: "We see great commercial opportunity for Femeda and its ground-breaking products for the female-orientated market.

"We are also very impressed with the strength of the team and its intellectual property."

Femeda, based on Startforth Road, Riverside Park, was set up in 2004 by Jim Bradley, the former chief executive of SCA Products, the company that launched Tena Lady products for bladder weakness.

Mr Bradley, company chairman, said Femeda's products have attracted attention from some key players in the industry.

"We've had some interest from some of the major companies interested in this problem area, but we're keeping quiet for the moment about exactly what our plans and product will be," he said.

"This (funding) round will give the company the resources to get this revolutionary product ready for launch."