HLA Tissue typing [07_2098]
A simple HLA tissue typing method that provides results with near 100% accuracy in a short time frame (hours), is cost effective and straight forward to setup, and doesn’t require specialist staff to carry out the test or interpret the results.
Methods for ocular regeneration [07_2102]
Potential development of an early marker diagnostic kit for ocular disease as well as a novel therapy to affect proliferation, expansion, and migration of cells resulting in regeneration of corneal tissue exist. An application for uveitis may be fast-tracked by FDA under orphan disease/drug category.
Combination therapy for cell disorders [07_2120]
Ionising radiation and free radical production form the basis for pathological cell changes in degenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and skin damage during aging. DNA strand breaks caused by oxidative stress require a rapid repair response. A novel finding enables us to promote DNA repair and increased cell viability through enhancing the activity of nuclear enzymes essential to this process. We have found that the addition of a specific existing food-derived biochemical can significantly enhance the activity of specific nuclear enzymes, which may increase the rate of DNA repair.
Dense gas solvent exchange process [07_2165]
A new dense gas process has been patented for the formation of a polymer hydrogel matrix containing an active pharmaceutical ingredient to overcome the issues inherent in conventional techniques used for hydrogel preparation (labour intensive, high residual solvent content, high temperatures, etc). In particular the process has been designed to overcome the problems associated with impregnation of an active ingredient into a polymer with polar characteristics and semi-crystalline nature whilst at the same time fabricating a porous polymer. The process allows for the simultaneous creation of a stable porous polymer hydrogel impregnated with an active pharmaceutical ingredient (amorphous form of the drug).
Nanocomposite polymers [07_2077]
The technology is a nanocomposite material comprising a polymer matrix, a nanoparticulate filler dispersed through the polymer matrix and a dispersant to aid dispersion of the filler in the matrix. The polymer matrix, filler and dispersant are manipulated to provide for the different functionalities: mainly antibacterial or antithrombotic. This technology can be used as a coating for existing biomaterials or can be applied to produce as a new generation biomaterial.
Seipin in lipid metabolism [08_2199]
We have identified a protein called seipin which is involved in lipid metabolism, and can be manipulated and used as a potential tool to silence gene and affect lipid metabolism in people with lipodystrophy, those who are obese, patients with Type II diabetes, and those HIV positive patients receiving anti-retroviral therapy (for which lipodystrophy is a side effect). We can also provide a mutant yeast strain to screen for small molecules that inhibit activity of human seipin.
Organoarsenical compounds for the treatment of cancer
A novel class of compounds GSAO and PENAO that target the mitochondria of blood vessel endothelial cells and inhibit tumour angiogenesis. GSAO has shown to have antiangiogenic activity both in vitro and in vivo, and it has valuable potential as a novel antiangiogenic agent for the treatment of cancer. CRUK has established methods, assays, clinical protocols and extensive pre-clinical toxicology studies with the aim of undertaking a Phase I clinical study of GSAO in man. CRUK has successfully completed pre-clinical work. The Phase I trial commenced in January 2008.
A strong patent portfolio is being established based on a new chemical class and novel target inhibition. To date, the novel therapeutic strategy encompassing certain aspects of the anti-angiogenesis mechanism, the new class of compounds that inhibit angiogenesis, and applications of the core technology to imaging and drug delivery, have been described in four patent families.
Method for isolating hepatocytes [03_1789]
A proprietary technology is described to isolate healthy hepatocytes from discarded livers. Potential applications for cell therapies for restoration of liver function. Our product is viable hepatocytes that can be used for: cell transplantation; in bioartificial liver devices; or in product as a research tool.
DNAzymes for Basal Cell Carcinoma [06_1990]
DNAzymes (deoxyribozymes) are single-stranded catalytic molecules that hybridise to their target RNA. Researchers at UNSW have developed DNAzymes that target transcription factors to inhibit tumour angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo in animal studies. Currently, our investigators have identified a lead indication of Basel Cell carcinoma (BCC), and have secured ~A$3 million in grant funding to pursue preclinical studies. This project represents a key opportunity to leverage significant scientific and funding assets.