The Latest Bioscience Technologies in Biopharmaceuticals, Drug Development and Medical Devices Showcased by TCD Researchers
Posted on: 13 March 2009
Trinity Research and Innovation showcased a selection of the latest exciting bioscience technologies developed by TCD researchers at an event in the Science Gallery on March 12th last. The technologies encompass biopharmaceuticals, drug development and medical devices and highlight TCD’s academic research endeavours that offer significant commercial, economic and societal value. The event aimed to highlight cutting edge technologies that have reached the commercialisation stage and offer industry collaboration and investment opportunities.
Commenting on the significance of the research output currently emerging from the university, Trinity’s Associate Director of Trinity Research and Innovation, Dr James Callaghan stated: “These leading edge bioscience technologies have been developed by TCD researchers from the Schools of Medicine, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Biochemistry and Immunology, Engineering, Chemistry and Physics. Their discoveries on show this evening all have the potential for business development and the formation of spin-out companies. This research demonstrates the importance of continued and sustained investment at third level and fourth level which now more than ever is fundamental for the economy and the economic recovery of the country.”
Examples of the Bioscience Technologies Showcased:
Safeprin – A safer form of Aspirin
Aspirin is one of the most widely used drugs in the treatment of inflammation, pain and fever. Aspirin can be used effectively in the prevention of heart attacks and stroke and is being studied as a cancer chemopreventative agent. However, aspirin cannot be used as a long-term preventative medicine as it can occasionally cause gastric bleeding, ulceration and haemorrhage. Researchers at TCD’s School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences have developed a safer form of aspirin ‘Safeprin’, designed to reduce contact between the drug and the intestinal lining, thus reducing toxicity and allowing safer entry into the bloodstream. Researcher – Dr John Gilmer, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
PreSepsis – Predicting patient response to infection
Sepsis is a common disease in western society, with 750,000 cases diagnosed in Europe annually, costing €30,000 per patient. Sepsis is a systemic response to an infection often causing organ failure and has a mortality rate of 20-30%. Researchers at TCD’s Institute for Molecular Medicine at St. James’s Hospital in Dublin have developed a diagnostic test termed ‘PreSepsis’, which has the ability to predict patients at risk of developing septic shock following infection. Researchers – Dr Thomas Ryan, School of Medicine and Institute for Molecular Medicine, St James’s Hospital
Arti-Stent – Flexible Stents for Peripheral Arteries
Peripheral Arterial Disease of the large peripheral arteries results in embolisms, thrombosis and hardening of the arteries. Contemporary stent designs are of limited use in such conditions due to the requirement for flexibility in the vessels through articulating joints, e.g. the knee. Researchers at the Trinity Centre for Bioengineering (TCBE) have developed a multi-segmented articulating stent, designed to provide far superior and robust support to peripheral arterials vessels. Researcher – Dr Daniel Kelly, Trinity Centre for Bioengineering (TCBE)
Inhibiting Tumors – Drugs to inhibit cancer
Researchers at TCD’s School Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences are developing new drugs for the treatment of cancer. Novel inhibitors aim to limit the rapid growth of primary tumours in addition to restricting the development of distant metastases. Drugs that inhibit tumour growth target the dividing endothelial cells that form the growing blood vessels, in effect starving the tumour of the blood and nutrients required for growth. Researcher – Dr John Walsh, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Other TCD research projects in biopharmaceuticals, medical devices and drug discovery being showcased:
Cartilage Transplantation Technology – Dr Daniel Kelly, Trinity Centre for Bioengineering
A Therapeutic for Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases – Professor Kingston Mills and Dr Sarah Higgins, School of Biochemistry and Immunology
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) based neurotherapeutics – Dr Julie Kelly, School of Biochemistry and Immunology
CardioMim- a technology for applying stretch-stimuli to cardiovascular cells – Dr Adriele Prina Mello, the Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices (CRANN).
Commenting on the significance of Trinity’s research output in biotechnology and its relevance to the Irish economy, Dr. Keith O’Neill, Director of Lifesciences and Food Commercialisation at Enterprise Ireland said: “Enterprise Ireland is proud to have helped support the development of the innovative technologies presented here. These advances, in areas such as cancer, sepsis and cardiovascular disease treatment, will have a significant impact on patient care. In parallel the commercialisation of these technologies, through start-up companies and licensing agreements, will directly benefit the Irish economy and lead to high-value job creation.”
About Trinity Research & Innovation
* Trinity Research & Innovation is the first point of contact for companies seeking to find opportunities to collaborate with leading research groups in Trinity College Dublin. Trinity Research & Innovation promotes and manages the interaction between TCD researchers, funding agencies and industry. It is also responsible for managing TCD’s Intellectual Property, Technology Transfer and Innovation, Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship.
