Inventive output and commercial deals
Invention disclosures, patent applications and commercialisation of IP all contribute to a university’s inventive and economic output. Managed by , invention disclosures at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø have increased by 13% this year (see Distribution of invention discloures by academic department), with an increase in the number of patent applications filed, building on the steady growth witnessed over the last six years. The year’s commercial deals were largely dominated by two significant projects in the engineering and medical sectors.
Commercialisation Blocks - Row 1
Groundbreaking gene therapy for cystic fibrosis
The development of a new lentiviral vector to deliver gene therapy for patients with cystic fibrosis received a significant boost when 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Innovations entered an option and licence agreement with . The agreement was part of a three-way collaboration between the pharmaceutical company, and the , formed by 51³Ô¹ÏÍø and the Universities of and . The collaboration builds on the Consortium’s IP portfolio, takes advantage of the vector’s unique ability to produce high protein levels over long periods, and prepares the route to clinic by establishing robust manufacturing and toxicology programmes.
Photo shows the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø leads for the UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium. From left: Professors Uta Griesenbach, Eric Alton and Jane Davies.
More precise robotic surgery
is working with a range of patented robotic technologies to help surgeons and improve outcomes for patients. It represents a unique partnership between groups in the UK and China, funded by a syndicate of first tier Chinese and Hong-Kong-based investors with sector expertise and commercial and industry resources. 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Innovations supported the company from IP protection through to company launch. The Precision Robotics medical robot platform will initially be used for patients requiring colorectal cancer surgery.
Precision Robotics is based on research at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Hamlyn Centre for Robotic Surgery led by Professor Guang-Zhong Yang, who discussed some of his technologies with Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam (centre) and 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s President Alice Gast (left) in December 2017.