The University of Adelaide—School of Molecular & Biomedical Science

  Overview

The University of Adelaide (in South Australia) has a strong record of leading-edge medical and biosciences research. Our key research strengths are in the areas of: biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, immunology, and the molecular mechanisms of human disease. The University has spun out two highly successful biotechnology companies.

  Competitive Advantages

Leadership - The School of Molecular & Biomedical Science has Australia’s largest concentration of molecular biology research and education.

Integrated Scale - Scientists work with clinicians from the University’s Medical and Dental schools and affiliated teaching hospitals. There is a strong culture of co-operation between the several research centres which is enhanced by their close proximity in the safe and low-density city centre.

Low cost - the relatively low cost of undertaking clinical trials (half US costs before currency exchange benefits), modern infrastructure, benchmarked international quality standards, political stability, supportive collegiate culture, commercialisation depth and aforementioned integration makes Adelaide an ideal place to undertake biotechnology R&D and clinical research.

  Technology

Proven research capabilities include reproductive medicine; stem cells; novel vaccines against bacterial and viral diseases; molecular genetics of development (particularly the nervous system); growth factor-receptor interactions of proteins implicated in cancer; and structure-based drug design.

  Corporate Alliances/Partnerships

Our scientists work in successful partnerships with companies global consortiums and companies such as Colgate, Astra Zeneca and Baxter Health care, who contribute significant investment and sponsorship to the University.

Partnering Opportunities

Collaboration / investment is required in the following patented areas -

(a) Platform technology for treating bacterial diseases for which a bacterial toxin causes pathogenesis – The technology allows bacteria to be constructed that bind toxins, such as certain enterotoxins of E. coli or Clostridium, that are the prime agents of pathogenesis. Infection of hosts with the bacterial construct eliminates disease by binding toxin and thereby preventing it from entering the cells lining the gut.

(b) Modified Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein (IGFBP) to Treat Cancer – Many cancers are dependent on IGF. The modified IGFBP binds IGF at a Kb several-fold lower than native IGFBP. The IGFBP limits growth of cancer cells and is non-toxic.

(c) Controlling damage mediated by Acrolein – compounds have been identified that protect against acrolein toxicity. Applications include drugs for treating Alzheimer’s disease, toxicity from smoke inhalation and side effects of anti-cancer drugs.

(d) Mediation of Circadian Rhythms – identified agonists of the 5-HT2c (seratonin) receptor alter circadian rhythms. The agonists can be used to reset the body clock when rapid changes are required (travel) or the clock is faulty. Applications for avoidance of jet lag, treatment of the elderly to improve sleep quality.

(e) Bioglue – an adhesive derived from amphibian skin secretions – medical applications (cartilage to cartilage bonding, repair of soft-tissue damage ie kidney, adjunct to tendon-tendon/bone ligations)

(f) Method and Medium for improved growth of human embryos – a medium (with human GM-CSF) for improved in vitro culture of human embryo’s and an improved method of growing early stage human embryo’s to transfer ready blastocysts. Applications for improved growth media for IVF in humans and animals. Collaborations sought with IVF clinical / lab service and equipment providers.

(g) Method for the production of Chiral Compounds – Method developed for synthesis of enantiomerically enhanced cyclopropanes, beta-lactones, cyclopentenols, terahydofurans and alpha-hydroxy epoxides using a chiral cobalt catalyst. Reactions can occur in solvents and are not effected by moisture. Applications in research, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agricultural, chemical industries.

(h) Asparagine Hydroxylation of the CAD Domain of a HIF Protein – Therapeutic applications: treatment of ischaemic diseases and diabetes.

(i) Treatment and Diagnosis of Infertility using TGF beta - as a principle immune regulatory molecule TGF-beta, together with sperm or semen, to the female reproductive tract can elicit tolerance towards male antigens, improving IVF treatment outcomes. The method of exposure has been refined and patented. Applications to treatment of infertility in humans and animals.

(j) Water based Plastination of Anatomical Specimens – the new method ensures tissue or other specimens (human or other animal whole organs or sections) impregnated with water compatible macromonomers (macromers), which are then polymerised insitu, can be preserved with minimal alteration or toxicity. Applications to preparation of research specimens, displays, imaging and testing applications.

(k) Comparative Genomic Hybridisation (CGH) – a new method used to amplify and compare DNA sequences on chromosomes within one or a small number of cells. The technique utilises DNA chip technology and allows rapid identification of cells in which certain sections of chromosomes are absent. Applications in diagnosis of genetic diseases (including aneuploides),translocations, specific gene deletions or mutations, pre-implantation genetic diagnosis.

(l) Immunising against chemokine receptors – Method involves therapeutic targeting of chemokine receptors by using the host immune system to raise neutralising antibodies against a segment of the receptors that are required for interaction with the receptor ligards. Application (potential) in treatments for slow degenerative diseases ie multiple sclerosis, autoimmune diseases AIDS, tumourogenesis, tumour metastasis.

(m) Metal Complexes for use in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) – a cancer treatment that uses low concentration boron compounds that are selectively taken up by cancer cells, irradiated resulting in tumour cell tissue being destroyed. Applications for cancer treatment and molecular probes for DNA structure and function

Partnering Needs

The various technologies are at different stages of development. Consequently collaboration in further research, investment and commercialisation opportunities ie licensing, sale, spin throughs, spin-offs company etc are unique to each technology. Adelaide Research and Innovation (ARI) – the commercialisation company for the University, would be pleased to discuss your interest further.

Contact Person	Jane Rathjen
Job Title	Business Development Manager
Address	ARI level 11 10 Pulteney St
City/Suburb	Adelaide SA 5000 Australia
Email	jane.rathjen@adelaide.edu.au
Phone	+61 8 8303 4461
Fax	+61 8 8303 4355
Website Address	www.adelaide.edu.au/ari

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