newcastle biomedical sciences london · professor chris day, vice-chancellor and president of...

LONDONNEWCASTLE BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

EXPLORING POSSIBILITIES

Programme

3.15pm Registration

3.45pm Welcome Professor Chris Day

4.00pm An overview of our research and innovation strengths Professor David Burn

4.30pm Parallel sessions (45 minutes) Diagnostics at Newcastle Chaired by Professor John Simpson

Research and Development programmes/Clinical Trials Chaired by Professor Mark Walker

Investment Forum Chaired by Martin Cox

5.30pm NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre: transformative translational research in ageing and long-term conditions Professor Avan Sayer

5.50pm Building links between academia and industry Professor Mark Birch-Machin

6.00pm Drinks and networking opportunities


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Newcastle University | Biomedical Sciences | www.newcastleptd.com/exploring-possibilities

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Welcome

Welcome to the London campus of Newcastle University and our event, Exploring Possibilities.

Professor Chris Day, Vice-Chancellor and President of Newcastle University, and Professor David Burn, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, are pleased to showcase Newcastle University’s world-class clinical and academic expertise at this event, designed to enhance our links with industry and other national partners.

There will be three keynote lectures: an overview of medical research and innovation strengths in Newcastle (Prof Burn); the Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre in Ageing (Prof Sayer) and building links between academia and industry (Prof Birch-Machin). In addition, there are three concurrent sessions: Diagnostics, Research and Development Programmes featuring Clinical Trials and an Investment Forum for Newcastle’s pre-commercial and spin-out companies.

This event is hosted by Newcastle University and The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, with support from the Medical Research Council’s Proximity to Discovery scheme. This funding scheme promotes Industry Engagement and provides awards to institutions to be used flexibly to support the development of relationships with industry partners. We would be delighted to continue the conversation after the event: please contact us about furthering any interaction using the details provided for each session/keynote or the general contacts details.

Professor Mark Birch-Machin

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Speaker details

Professor Mark Birch-Machin Professor of Molecular Dermatology and Associate Dean (Business Development and Commercial Interface) at the Newcastle University Institute of Cellular Medicine.

Web: www.ncl.ac.uk/icm/people/profile/ mark.birch-machinE-mail: [email protected]

Professor David BurnPro-Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Medical Sciences

Web: www.ncl.ac.uk/medicalsciences/contact/team/ profile/davidburn.html#backgroundE-mail: [email protected]

Martin CoxHead of Enterprise Services in the Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS) and an Assistant Director of the University’s Research and Enterprise Services.

Web: www.ncl.ac.uk/medicalsciences/contact/team/ profile/martincox.html#background E-mail: [email protected]

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Professor Chris Day Vice-Chancellor and President

Web: www.ncl.ac.uk/executive/board/members/ profile/chris.dayE-mail: [email protected]

Professor Avan Sayer Director, NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre and Professor of Geriatric Medicine

Web: www.ncl.ac.uk/ion/staff/profile/ avansayer.html#backgroundE-mail: [email protected]

Professor John SimpsonDean of Translational Research, and the Clinical lead for academic respiratory medicine, Newcastle University. He also acts as Director of the NIHR Diagnostic Evidence Cooperatives (DEC), Newcastle.

Web: www.ncl.ac.uk/medicalsciences/contact/team/ profile/jsimpson.html#backgroundE-mail: [email protected]

Professor Mark WalkerDirector, Newcastle NIHR/Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility and Co-Director Newcastle Clinical Trials Unit

Web: www.ncl.ac.uk/camb/staff/profile/ markwalker.html#backgroundE-mail: [email protected]


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Diagnostics at Newcastle Chaired by Professor John Simpson

The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Newcastle University has established a unique array of research infrastructures and capabilities that map to the development, evaluation and innovation of diagnostic technologies. These include the NIHR Innovation Observatory and the Newcastle Diagnostic Evidence Cooperative (DEC), soon to be a Medtech and In Vitro Diagnostic Cooperative (MIC). In addition, Newcastle is also a site for an MRC / EPSRC-funded Molecular Pathology Node (the only centre in the UK with both a Node and DEC), the MRC-Newcastle University Single Cell Unit, and a NICE External Assessment Centre in partnership with York.

The North East and North Cumbria NHS Genomic Medicine Centre (NENC GMC) is one of 13 newly founded GMC sites located across England that are working in partnership with NHS England and Genomics England Ltd to realise the goals of the 100,000 Genomes Project. Our GMC is located within the International Centre for Life, in Newcastle upon Tyne, and is based within the Northern Genetics Service run by the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. These facilities are complemented by well-annotated, comprehensive biobanks.

This unique diverse environment provides unrivalled opportunities for collaboration with commercial and academic partners.

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Research and Development programmes/Clinical trials Chaired by Professor Mark Walker

The purpose of this session is to highlight the expertise and resources that are available in Newcastle and the North East to support the design and delivery of high-quality clinical trials. The roles of the of the NIHR North East Research Design Service and Newcastle Clinical Trials Unit will be discussed with a focus on innovative study design. Newcastle has extensive state-of-the-art infrastructure that includes the NIHR Clinical Research Facility, the Newcastle Imaging Centre and the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre. These resources deliver cutting-edge clinical trials with a primary focus on early-phase translational studies, and include novel devices, cell-based therapies and advanced imaging techniques. We work closely with Industry funders and the Newcastle NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre. Specific studies will be discussed to illustrate these capabilities and collaborations.


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Investment Forum Chaired by Martin Cox

The purpose of the Investment Forum is to highlight a variety of life science and healthcare investment opportunities currently being developed by Newcastle University and its partners. This includes a series of five-minute pitches on pre-commercial platform technologies seeking collaborative partners and investors, and investment pitches from a number of the University’s spin-out businesses. The session also includes a presentation on the joint Newcastle University and Durham University ERDF-funded Northern Accelerator programme which aims to create 15 spin-out companies over the next three years by attracting experienced, dynamic business leaders to work with University spin-out ventures at the pre-commercial stage of business development.

INVESTOR OPPORTUNITY

PIPELINE

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1 Northern Accelerator The Northern Accelerator programme is a collaborative project between Newcastle University and Durham University aimed at attracting experienced, dynamic business leaders to work with University spin-out ventures at an early stage, working alongside the founding academic and technology transfer offices to develop and lead a strong management team to take the business forward. The fund makes available up to £25,000 per opportunity. This, together with a typical sweat equity package, aims to broaden the attractiveness of the start-up role. The contracted executives will develop the business plan, make the company investor ready and raise the investment funds to enable him/her to take the business forward. This project is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Newcastle University is keen to discuss the project with experienced CEOs who are interested in joining at the pre-commercial stage of business development.

Mr David HuntleyHead of Company Creation, Newcastle University

E-mail: [email protected]

Web: www.ncl.ac.uk/res/about/staff/profile/david.huntley

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2 Controlling abnormal network dynamics using optogeneticsControlling Abnormal Network Dynamics using Optogenetics (CANDO) is a cross-disciplinary project to develop a cortical implant for optogenetic neural control. The goal is to create a first-in-human trial in patients with focal epilepsy. In the brain, nerve cells generate rhythmic activity or ‘brain waves’. In many neurological diseases these rhythms are disrupted, producing abnormal patterns of activity. In epilepsy, abnormal activity can often be localised to a small ‘focus’, which then spreads causing a seizure. Epilepsy affects 600,000 people in the UK and uncontrolled seizures have devastating effects on patients’ lives. Nearly a third of cases fail to respond to conventional drug treatments and may require surgical removal of the focus. However, surgery may not be suitable for all patients due to irreversible damage to necessary brain functions.

CANDO is a seven-year, £10 million Innovative Engineering for Health Award, funded by the Wellcome Trust and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) involving a team of over 30 neuroscientists, engineers and clinicians.

Newcastle University is interested in exploring investment and collaborative partners to commercialise this technology.

Professor Andrew JacksonProfessor of Neural Interfaces, Newcastle University


Web: www.cando.ac.uk

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3 Biofilm breakdown technology for healthcare Bacterial biofilms are the root cause of many problems in healthcare where they harbour microbial infections which then cannot be identified or destroyed by antibiotics or biocides. Prevention and removal of biofilms has application in a vast range of medical and personal care markets – eg wound care, medical implants, disinfection of medical devices, oral hygiene etc.

Newcastle University isolated and patented NucB, a bacterial extracellular nuclease enzyme that can break down and prevent the build-up of biofilms. It is unique in its highly specific activity, thermal stability and ease of production. This technology has the potential to be developed and applied to a range of medical applications with the right investment.

Dr Lynda SpeedBusiness Development Manager, Newcastle University


Web: www.ncl.ac.uk/res/about/staff/profile/lynda.speed

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4 Hexis LabUsing machine learning and artificial intelligence, Hexis Lab is at the forefront of shaping the future of cosmetics product development. Our discovery platform utilises big-data cloud computing infrastructure in screening several millions of compounds, including natural products for use in cosmetic formulation. Hexis Lab’s own product portfolio is at various stages of product registration and clinical testing. We are currently engaging with one of the leading global cosmetic companies for the development of a new category of DNA repair and protect skincare formulation.

Hexis Lab is seeking Series-A investment to enhance our strategic sales capability, to further develop our proprietary discovery platform and to access larger, better-equipped laboratory facilities for testing our novel formulations.

Dr Olusola IdowuChief Executive Officer, Hexis Lab


Web: www.hexislab.com

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5 PBLifePBLife has developed a reliable and sensitive oxidative stress test using finger-prick blood samples. This is responsive to dietary changes and allows the assessment of inter-individual differences in response to an antioxidant-rich diet and monitors improvements. High levels of oxidative stress, and the inability of our body to fight these free radicals, is known to be a leading cause of early ageing and many diseases. Consuming foods high in antioxidants helps to increase our bodies’ capacity to fight against free radical attack. Each individual responds differently to the same dietary input. Professional and corporate organisations, including athletes in the English Football Premiership League, have taken part in PBLife testing programmes.

PBLife is seeking investment to grow our capacity to offer this test to more companies in the UK and UAE.

Professor Mark Birch-MachinProfessor of Molecular Dermatology, Newcastle University


Web: www.pblife.online

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6 Neurological technology platform for diagnosis and treatment Newcastle University has developed a portable electronic device, which is capable of modifying neural circuits in the brain and spinal cord which control movement. The device can measure muscle activity and respond by delivering precisely timed, non-invasive stimulation in real-time to overcome disabling conditions such as recovery from stroke, cancelling of incapacitating tremors, effects of Parkinson’s disease, whilst wearing the device. It can also be used to diagnose the onset of neurological conditions.

Newcastle University has unique expertise in neural circuits, devising non-intuitive stimulus combinations and translating the detailed neuroscience into sophisticated algorithms for incorporation into a small device. The University also has the clinical expertise and facilities to test and refine application of this technology platform in disease treatment and diagnosis.

This technology has the potential to be developed and applied to a range of medical applications and is looking for investment and collaborative partners to commercialise this technology.

Professor Stuart BakerProfessor of Movement Neuroscience, Newcastle University


Web: www.ncl.ac.uk/ion/staff/profile/stuartbaker.html#research

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7 AtelerixAtelerix has invented a simple, low-cost system capable of preserving the viability and functionality of cells and tissues at hypothermic temperatures for extended periods of time by encapsulating them in alginate hydrogels. Used as a method of cell storage and transport, it overcomes the acknowledged problems associated with cryo-shipping. There are no other products currently available on the market with the capability to do this. Atelerix plans to capitalise on this by adopting a B2B approach that enables our customers to develop new, high-value products that are either not feasible with current methods or are prohibitively expensive.

Proof of concept for the encapsulation technology has been demonstrated by the academic team and protection of the IP has been funded by Newcastle University. A total investment of £450,000 is now required. The Rainbow Seed Fund has made an initial £25,000 loan to Atelerix which is convertible to equity at a share price of 80% to the proposed funding round. Apart from this future equity position, there are no external investors in Atelerix to date and the company believes that the £450,000 sought will be SEIS- and EIS-eligible.

Dr Mick McleanChief Executive Officer, Atelerix


Web: www.atelerix.co.uk

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For further information, please contact:

Sarah GreenhalghProximity to Discovery Programme Manager


Web: newcastleptd.com/exploring-possibilities

newcastle biomedical sciences london · professor chris day, vice-chancellor and president of...

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