Research Subject Area: Medical Biochemistry and Metabolomics

REF impact found 4 Case Studies

Currently displayed text from case study:

5. Cardiff research supports addition of omega-3 fatty acids against arthritis in supplements and functional pet foods

Summary of the impact

Producers of dietary supplements have historically lacked scientific rigour when advertising the health benefits of their products. Researchers at Cardiff University have addressed this problem in relation to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). They identified a family of enzymes (aggrecanases) as key players in the onset of arthritis, knowledge subsequently used to identify a specific subset of omega-3-PUFAs with beneficial activity in a canine arthritis model. This led to novel patents and product development in both the pet food and human dietary supplement markets. These include the patented use of omega-3 PUFAs in Hills'® Prescription Diet® range and the development and marketing of Seven Seas' `JointCare' products.

Submitting Institution

Cardiff University

Unit of Assessment

Biological Sciences

Summary Impact Type

Technological

Research Subject Area(s)

Medical and Health Sciences: Medical Biochemistry and Metabolomics, Clinical Sciences, Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Developing unique conjugation (PEGylation) technology and commercial spinout through PolyTherics Ltd.

Summary of the impact

A novel conjugation technology has been developed to enable site-specific attachment of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to proteins to extend the in vivo half-life of biopharmaceuticals. The technology has been commercialised by an Imperial College spin-out company, PolyTherics Limited. In 2013, the merger of PolyTherics with Antitope Limited, enhanced the company's biopharmaceutical technology development offering. PolyTherics issued new shares to the value of £13.5 million to investors and Antitope shareholders in connection with the merger.

The company has enabled the development of novel forms of interferon 03b2 (for the treatment of multiple sclerosis) and blood factors VIIA, VIII and IX (for the treatment of haemophilia A and B) utilising original Imperial TheraPEG™ technology. This is achieved through licences granted by PolyTherics to Nuron Biotech and Celtic Pharma Holdings who are in early pre-clinical development. PolyTherics has further developed the conjugation technology (ThioBridge™) for its application in the creation of stable, homogeneous antibody-drug conjugates for the targeted cancer therapy.

Polytherics has impacted the UK economy generating intellectual capital, capital investment, new employment and novel compounds to treat disease.

Submitting Institution

Imperial College London

Unit of Assessment

Clinical Medicine

Summary Impact Type

Technological

Research Subject Area(s)

Chemical Sciences: Organic Chemistry
Biological Sciences: Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Medical and Health Sciences: Medical Biochemistry and Metabolomics

Development of the spin-out company PolyTherics, a major provider of conjugate therapy and protein modification technology to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries

Summary of the impact

Protein modification represents a highly significant and growing source of new products for the biopharmaceuticals market. This case study outlines the development of PolyTherics, a highly successful spin-out company from the UCL School of Pharmacy, and the impact that their enabling technology has had on the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. The company was developed as a direct result of new conjugate technology developed by Professor Steve Brocchini and coworkers at the School. The company moved to independent premises in 2006 and now manages a portfolio of over 100 granted and pending patents. Several licensing agreements are in place, including with Celtic Pharma Holdings for haemophilia treatments and Nuron for a multiple sclerosis treatment based on PEGylation conjugation technology. Revenue is expected to be £8m in 2013. The impact of Polytherics is therefore as a significant and effective technology provider to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

Submitting Institution

University College London

Unit of Assessment

Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy

Summary Impact Type

Technological

Research Subject Area(s)

Biological Sciences: Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Medical and Health Sciences: Medical Biochemistry and Metabolomics, Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Dietary fat advice for cardiovascular disease prevention

Summary of the impact

Dietary fat plays an important role in the causation of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Using randomized controlled trials of dietary fat modification, King's College London researchers have provided information about the effects of specific fatty acids on CVD risk which the Food Standards Agency have used to inform its policy decisions and future research strategy. The research also contributed to the development of international guidelines on the intakes of specific types of fatty acids and helped the food industry reformulate fats to be low in trans fatty acids. This research has also had an impact on dietary advice given by health professionals, the media and patient groups.

Submitting Institution

King's College London

Unit of Assessment

Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy

Summary Impact Type

Health

Research Subject Area(s)

Medical and Health Sciences: Medical Biochemistry and Metabolomics, Cardiorespiratory Medicine and Haematology, Nutrition and Dietetics

Filter Impact Case Studies

Download Impact Case Studies