Adelaide Research & Innovation has assigned exciting stem cell technology to Australian regenerative medicine giant Mesoblast in a deal which could lead to a cure for stroke sufferers.
The stem cell technology developed by University of Adelaide Professor Simon Koblar has shown the capability of human stem cells derived from adult teeth to have an intrinsic ability to form brain cells and interact with the nervous system. This early phase research has the potential to provide real benefit to those who have suffered a stroke, however, it must undergo pre-clinical and clinical trial phases before it can be rolled out in the market place
Early stage medical research findings of Universities which have the potential to have significant social impact would not get anywhere without the collaborative efforts of technology companies with the necessary resources and market expertise to translate them into real world impact. Adelaide Research & Innovation is very excited about this deal which will see the upfront assignment fee reinvested into pre-clinical trials conducted by Professor Koblar.
Despite the assignment of the IP, Professor Koblar will still be involved in the next phase of development to take the stem cell technology market. As part of the deal, Professor Koblar will act in a key advisory role across the pre-clinical trial phase, as well as conduct one of the pre-clinical trials himself. Working collaboratively, Mesoblast gains the expertise and skills of the world-class researcher who developed the technology, and the University of Adelaide gets to see one of its research outcomes be developed into a marketable product with the potential change people’s lives.
Adelaide Research & Innovation’s Managing Director Rob Chalmers comments “it is great to see another fantastic medical advancement get picked up by a world leading medical company. Working together is the best way to see the translation of University knowledge into benefits for the community. Together, hopefully we’ll be able to take this technology to market and help those suffering from the adverse affects of stroke.”