Prince Henry’s Institute of Medical Research

section heading graphic   Overview

For over forty years, Prince Henry’s Institute of Medical Research (PHIMR) has developed world-standard basic research and clinical programs in the field of endocrinology (the study of hormones). Thus PHIMR is in an excellent position to offer real outcomes from the translation of basic research through to patient care.

Prince Henry's Institute mission is to conduct first-class, internationally competitive medical research and to train research scientists and clinicians, as well as contribute to the educational activities of Monash Medical Centre and Monash University.

Research by the Institute has contributed significantly in the areas of:

  • Breast, ovarian and uterine cancer
  • Diabetes and obesity
  • Heart disease
  • Menopause
  • Male and female infertility
  • Development of contraceptive methods
  • Menstrual disorders
  • Sexual differentiation

Prince Henry’s Institute is located at the Monash Medical Centre where the administration, general laboratories, clinical services as well as small animal research laboratories are housed. In addition there is a large-animal facility at Werribee. The staff comprises approximately 140 scientists, physicians, students and support personnel.

section heading graphic   Competitive Advantages

PHIMR’s joint discovery of hormone inhibin has opened up new research opportunities into the development of diagnostic tests for certain types of ovarian and other cancers and other diseases such as Downs syndrome.

A close interface between laboratory based research and clinical research is another advantage

The World Health Organisation has recognised the work and status of the Institute by designating it a WHO Collaborating Centre for Research in Human Reproduction - one of only two in Australia.

section heading graphic   Technology

  • Laser capture dissection microscope
  • DNA micro array reader
  • DNA sequencer
  • FRET and Image analysis
  • Denaturing high performance liquid chromatography
  • Gene knockout techniques
  • Tissue culture
  • Electrophysiology
  • Histology, stereology and immunohistology
  • Radioimmunoassay and ELISA
  • Protein purification
  • mRNA analysis (real time PCR)
  • Cloning technology
  • Gene expression
  • The study of neuro-transmitter release and receptors

section heading graphic   Corporate Alliances/Partnerships

In collaboration with a U.S. company, antibodies are currently being produced under PHIMR supervision for commercial research purposes. PHIMR is in a commercial partnership with another company for the development of a diagnostic test for prostate disease. PHIMR is also a party to a licensing agreement for commercialisation of inhibin antibodies and currently negotiating an option agreement for a new test for endometrial cancer.

PHIMR has numerous alliances with international research agencies and institutes such as Monash Institutes of Health and Biocomm.

Monash Institutes of Health - (MIH) represents a co-operative organisation encompassing a number of Australia's leading biomedical research organisations. Organised as two major sites within 15-25 minutes from the centre of Melbourne, MIH represents approximately 2000 research staff and budgets in excess of $AUD100 million per annum.

Biocomm is an international life sciences technology management and commercial development company assisting in licensing and developing commercial opportunities in biotechnology.


Partnering Opportunities/Needs

  • Commercialisation of diagnostic tests for ovarian and endometrial cancer
  • Development of a new breast cancer drug for screening, prevention and treatment.
  • Development of diagnostic kits for pre-eclampsia as an aid to fertility or as a contraceptive.

Commercial relationships sought are for companies willing to provide seed funding and technical resources for the development of diagnostic tests in the above areas. The actual relationship could be either as a licensee/licensor, an equity partnership or as other arrangements depending on the prevailing circumstances at the time of negotiation. Opportunity also exists for commercialisation of a new discovery involving pregnancy/placentation aspects of an implantation-related gene.

Partnering opportunities are available to develop a new generation of drug for the treatment and prevention of breast cancer. This follows from the work of our breast cancer group, funded by the Victorian Breast Cancer Research Consortium, to develop new means of blockading the formation of oestrogens within the breast itself, thus leaving protected other sites of oestrogen formation and action, such as bone, brain and vasculature.

Currently we are collaborating with a group at Duke University in the USA in an initial screening program, the next stage will require a commercial partner.

Contact Person Mr Andrew McCallum Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research Logo
Job Title Manager Development & Commercialisation Services
Address PO Box 5152
City/Suburb Clayton
Victoria 3168 Australia
Email Andrew.mccallum@med.monash.edu.au
Phone +61 3 9594 4318
Fax +61 3 9594 6125
Website Address www.phimr.monash.edu.au

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