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News in Brief
In dialogue with the Wellcome Trust and HTGF
Ascenion invited representatives of the Wellcome Trust and the High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) to learn about some of the most attractive projects from its portfolio. Inventors and founders from overall 13 different partner institutions or spin-offs presented their technologies and business concepts in individual meetings with both funds. The feedback was extremely positive from both sides. Fund managers appreciated the opportunity to gain an overview of projects that were carefully pre-selected by Ascenion to meet their respective investment strategies. Some of the projects presented have already been shortlisted for follow-on discussions or selected for filing formal funding applications.
"Biting" Antibodies against cancer
Micromet’s BiTE® antibodies are designed to activate T cells, the body’s most potent “killer” cells, specifically against cancer cells. The approach, which is partly based on IP generated at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, has met major clinical milestones this year. MT103, the most advanced BiTE® targeting B cell lymphomas, has entered a phase II clinical trial, and MT110, the first BiTE® against solid tumours, has entered a phase I trial.
PARF: One idea – many applications
“PARF” (peptide associated with rheumatic fever) is a peptide that is present on certain pathogenic bacteria of the streptococcal family. It was discovered and described by HZI researchers who found out that PARF, through its interaction with human collagen, plays a crucial role in the development of rheumatic fever. A first-option contract relating to corresponding HZI IP has now been mediated by Ascenion. Under the terms of the agreement, an undisclosed biopharmaceutical company obtains an exclusive option to use PARF in combination with its proprietary drug delivery technology. The idea is to employ PARF as an anchor for the specific attachment of drug-delivery vehicles to extracellular matrices. As a result, the drug contained within the vehicles will be concentrated at the intended site of action, improving its efficacy and reducing side effects. “It is an excellent idea to exploit the collagen-binding properties of PARF for targeted drug delivery,” Sabina Heim, Technology Manager with Ascenion, comments. “Further applications include the development of novel diagnostics for the identification of bacteria that cause rheumatic fever or the generation of therapeutic or preventive vaccines.” Licences for PARF are still available in these areas.
Improving technology transfer in national genome research
With the expiry of the national genome research network (NGFN) at the end of last year, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research restructured its support programme for medical genome research in Germany. The new initiative called “Program of Medical Genome Research” will focus even more on widespread diseases and seek intense collaboration with industry. In order to accelerate the transfer of research findings into medical use a “KompetenzCenter Technology Transfer” was established as a successor to the “KTT” that coordinated technology transfer in the NGFN. Like the KTT, the KompetenzCenter will be managed by Ascenion and Max Planck Innovation. Key tasks include the coordination of all players involved in technology transfer, regular publication screens, IP asset management support if needed and, last but not least, increased PR work and education in order to raise awareness among scientists for IP-relevant issues.
New employee to support the KompetenzCenter
In May this year, Anja Kroke joined Ascenion to support the activities of the KompetenzCenter. She is responsible for communications and public relations and assists the team in operational tasks. Anja holds a degree in biology and, before joining Ascenion, gained widespread experience in PR, communication and project management from various positions with Edelman, Ernst & Young, Genius and the Hessen Agentur.
Latest Technology Offers
For further technology offers see: www.ascenion.de
