New Nanoscale Drug Delivery Systems and their Application to HIV/AIDS treatment
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Liverpool
Department Name: Chemistry
Abstract
HIV/AIDS is described by the World Health Organisation as a global pandemic. Estimates show that over 25 million people have died since 1981 and over 33 million people including adults and children are currently living with the disease. In 2005, AIDS claimed an estimated 3.3 million lives globally, including more than 570,000 children. The prevalence of HIV/AIDS continues to increase and it is expected that over 90 million will ultimately be infected in Africa alone. The UK had the highest growth in HIV/AIDS infection in western Europe in the period between 2001 - 2007 with a 64% increase.
HIV treatment suffers from many issues including the need for patient compliance with a very strict regime of medication. HIV mutation leads to resistance to existing therapies but the ability of therapies to target HIV in the body is critical to the success of medication. HIV resides in various sites throughout the body but there are both cellular and tissue sites which are particularly difficult for drugs to reach. These so called 'sanctuary sites' have the potential to be targeted by particles of drug, rather than dissolved drug molecules.
Cancer research has shown the benefits of particulate nanomedicine drug delivery approaches. The use of nanoscale polymer carriers which act as vehicles to transport and deliver poorly soluble drugs to the desired site of action, has been beneficial for tumour targeting as the particle nature of the nanomedicine drives the accumulation in tumour tissues. Cellular and tissue sanctuary sites in HIV infection have been widely speculated to also be ideal candidates for particle-based approaches but there has been limited work in this area.
Branched polymers may operate as particle-like drug delivery vehicles and many have been shown to have therapeutic advantages. The best materials are however very expensive to synthesise and would not be viable for treatments in populations such as the sub-Saharan regions (over 20 milllion HIV infections) where cost is a critical component of treatment choice. The University of Liverpool has developed a new class of materials, Polydendrons, that offer many of the benefits of the most sophisticated branched polymers, but can be produced relatively cheaply. In early work, prototype materials have been produced with particle sizes of >40nm and encapsulation capabilities. These materials are unique and still at a very early stage of development.
This proposal will simultaneously explore the synthesis of Polydendrons and their ability to intervene in HIV treatments. They will be studied as drug carriers of specific size, shape and surface functionality and their ability to target HIV in sanctuary sites will be established. A collaboration between the departments of Chemistry and Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology over 4.5 years is proposed with input from global pharmaceutical companies and HIV clinicians. This approach of material synthesis with integrated pharmacology will considerably accelerate the development of potential new therapies leading to a leading position for the UK that will be applicable to other health issues such as cancer, tuberculosis and hepatitis C.
HIV treatment suffers from many issues including the need for patient compliance with a very strict regime of medication. HIV mutation leads to resistance to existing therapies but the ability of therapies to target HIV in the body is critical to the success of medication. HIV resides in various sites throughout the body but there are both cellular and tissue sites which are particularly difficult for drugs to reach. These so called 'sanctuary sites' have the potential to be targeted by particles of drug, rather than dissolved drug molecules.
Cancer research has shown the benefits of particulate nanomedicine drug delivery approaches. The use of nanoscale polymer carriers which act as vehicles to transport and deliver poorly soluble drugs to the desired site of action, has been beneficial for tumour targeting as the particle nature of the nanomedicine drives the accumulation in tumour tissues. Cellular and tissue sanctuary sites in HIV infection have been widely speculated to also be ideal candidates for particle-based approaches but there has been limited work in this area.
Branched polymers may operate as particle-like drug delivery vehicles and many have been shown to have therapeutic advantages. The best materials are however very expensive to synthesise and would not be viable for treatments in populations such as the sub-Saharan regions (over 20 milllion HIV infections) where cost is a critical component of treatment choice. The University of Liverpool has developed a new class of materials, Polydendrons, that offer many of the benefits of the most sophisticated branched polymers, but can be produced relatively cheaply. In early work, prototype materials have been produced with particle sizes of >40nm and encapsulation capabilities. These materials are unique and still at a very early stage of development.
This proposal will simultaneously explore the synthesis of Polydendrons and their ability to intervene in HIV treatments. They will be studied as drug carriers of specific size, shape and surface functionality and their ability to target HIV in sanctuary sites will be established. A collaboration between the departments of Chemistry and Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology over 4.5 years is proposed with input from global pharmaceutical companies and HIV clinicians. This approach of material synthesis with integrated pharmacology will considerably accelerate the development of potential new therapies leading to a leading position for the UK that will be applicable to other health issues such as cancer, tuberculosis and hepatitis C.
Planned Impact
The key focus of the proposal is the introduction of a new material class and the demonstration of its utility in nanomedicine approaches - initially in improving HIV therapies. Additionally the programme will establish the British Society for Nanomedicine at a highly timely stage in the global investigation of nanotechnology in future therapy development.
The beneficiaries of the research therefore fall into a number of groups including scientists, clinicians, general public, patients and industry.
The introduction of a new class of materials has been shown many times to ignite new research concepts in fields that often span disciplines that are far removed from the original published concepts. The materials within this proposal are derived from branched polymers and this particular class of materials has shown many times that breakthroughs and new ideas may lead to new companies, commercial impact in existing industries (medicine/engineering/ nanotechnology/data storage/coatings to name a few) and enhance ongoing research programmes.
Within the field of nanomaterials and nanomedicine, a series of ongoing societal and governmental debates are discussing the safety and application of nanoscale technologies. Uniquely, this programme aims to introduce new nanomaterials, simultaneously evaluate the pharmacology and toxicology of the materials and establish the British Society for Nanomedicine to facilitate contact between researchers, academics/industry and regulators and engagement with the public. Collectively, this will have impact across pharmacology research, drug delivery, polymer materials and nanomaterials researchers. Importantly this proposal seeks to engage with regulatory authorities and generate real data that may impact future policy. We also aim to interact internationally to coordinate nanomedicine activities focussed on drug delivery.
The programme aims to generate therapy options that will be commercially protected and attractive for industrial exploitation. With the correct conversion of therapy options into medicines, the potential impact will spread to clinicians and HIV patients (in the first instance) to improve the care and outcomes within a disease that currently has killed over 25 million people and has 33 million living with HIV. The scale of the potential high impact on HIV patients arises from the need for high levels of patient compliance with therapies that require multiple pills to be taken several times each day over a lifetime. A positive impact on either the required dose of existing drugs, the number of tablets or the number of different drugs used would improve the quality of life for a large number of patients.
The materials proposed are covered by a patent filing that is owned by the University of Liverpool. It is expected that many more patents will flow that potentially will generate a significant commercial opportunity for the UK, initially through a spin-out company and later through production of medicine for international health benefits.
The project seeks to generate convincing chemical and pharmacological data over a 4.5 year period to allow commercial uptake towards the end of the programme. It is important to note that NO NEW DRUGS are being developed and therefore the new delivery vehicles may be seen as excipients for future drugs in mutliple disease areas. It is hoped that within 10 years of the start date, and supported by the critical early data and follow on research, Polydendrons may see themselves in early clinical trials.
Overall, the research proposed has the potential for multiple areas of impact. The researchers employed for the project will be highly trained during the research through exposure to multiple disciplines and therefore be extremely employable on conclusion of this initial research.
The beneficiaries of the research therefore fall into a number of groups including scientists, clinicians, general public, patients and industry.
The introduction of a new class of materials has been shown many times to ignite new research concepts in fields that often span disciplines that are far removed from the original published concepts. The materials within this proposal are derived from branched polymers and this particular class of materials has shown many times that breakthroughs and new ideas may lead to new companies, commercial impact in existing industries (medicine/engineering/ nanotechnology/data storage/coatings to name a few) and enhance ongoing research programmes.
Within the field of nanomaterials and nanomedicine, a series of ongoing societal and governmental debates are discussing the safety and application of nanoscale technologies. Uniquely, this programme aims to introduce new nanomaterials, simultaneously evaluate the pharmacology and toxicology of the materials and establish the British Society for Nanomedicine to facilitate contact between researchers, academics/industry and regulators and engagement with the public. Collectively, this will have impact across pharmacology research, drug delivery, polymer materials and nanomaterials researchers. Importantly this proposal seeks to engage with regulatory authorities and generate real data that may impact future policy. We also aim to interact internationally to coordinate nanomedicine activities focussed on drug delivery.
The programme aims to generate therapy options that will be commercially protected and attractive for industrial exploitation. With the correct conversion of therapy options into medicines, the potential impact will spread to clinicians and HIV patients (in the first instance) to improve the care and outcomes within a disease that currently has killed over 25 million people and has 33 million living with HIV. The scale of the potential high impact on HIV patients arises from the need for high levels of patient compliance with therapies that require multiple pills to be taken several times each day over a lifetime. A positive impact on either the required dose of existing drugs, the number of tablets or the number of different drugs used would improve the quality of life for a large number of patients.
The materials proposed are covered by a patent filing that is owned by the University of Liverpool. It is expected that many more patents will flow that potentially will generate a significant commercial opportunity for the UK, initially through a spin-out company and later through production of medicine for international health benefits.
The project seeks to generate convincing chemical and pharmacological data over a 4.5 year period to allow commercial uptake towards the end of the programme. It is important to note that NO NEW DRUGS are being developed and therefore the new delivery vehicles may be seen as excipients for future drugs in mutliple disease areas. It is hoped that within 10 years of the start date, and supported by the critical early data and follow on research, Polydendrons may see themselves in early clinical trials.
Overall, the research proposed has the potential for multiple areas of impact. The researchers employed for the project will be highly trained during the research through exposure to multiple disciplines and therefore be extremely employable on conclusion of this initial research.
Organisations
- University of Liverpool (Lead Research Organisation)
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW (Collaboration)
- INEOS Chlor Vinyls (Collaboration)
- Croda Europe Ltd (Collaboration)
- Da Vinci Communications (Project Partner)
- University of Nebraska at Omaha (Project Partner)
- ASTRA ZENECA (Project Partner)
- Pfizer (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
Publications
Hobson JJ
(2018)
Branched copolymer-stabilised nanoemulsions as new candidate oral drug delivery systems.
in RSC advances
Hobson JJ
(2019)
Semi-solid prodrug nanoparticles for long-acting delivery of water-soluble antiretroviral drugs within combination HIV therapies.
in Nature communications
Jackson AW
(2015)
Synthesis and in vivo magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of biocompatible branched copolymer nanocontrast agents.
in International journal of nanomedicine
Leong HS
(2019)
On the issue of transparency and reproducibility in nanomedicine.
in Nature nanotechnology
Levere M
(2017)
MADIX polymerization of vinyl acetate using ethyl acetate as a green solvent; near-complete monomer conversion with molecular weight control RAPID COMMUNICATION
in Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry
Long M
(2011)
Monitoring Atom Transfer Radical Polymerisation using 14 C-radiolabelled initiators
in Polym. Chem.
Owen A
(2014)
The application of nanotechnology in medicine: treatment and diagnostics.
in Nanomedicine (London, England)
Owen A
(2016)
Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges for long acting injectable therapies: Insights for applications in HIV therapy.
in Advanced drug delivery reviews
Owen A
(2015)
Considerations for clinically-relevant nanomedicine therapies for chronic diseases.
in Nanomedicine (London, England)
Rannard S P
KEYNOTE: Hyperbranched Polydendrons: New branched dendritic-linear hybrid materials with potential tuneable biological applications
in 8th ECNP International Conference on Nanostructured Polymers and Nanocomposites
Rannard S P
INVITED: Polydendrons: A New Nanoparticle Platform with Nanomedicine Opportunities
in Nanomedicine 2014
Rogers H
pH-responsive hyperbranched-Polydendrons for drug delivery applications
in 8th ECNP International Conference on Nanostructured Polymers and Nanocomposites
Rogers H
pH-responsive hyperbranched-Polydendrons for drug delivery applications
in 8th ECNP International Conference on Nanostructured Polymers and Nanocomposites
Rogers HE
(2020)
Designing single trigger/dual-response release and degradation into amine-functional hyperbranched-polydendron nanoprecipitates.
in Nanoscale advances
Sartain F
(2016)
Emerging nanomedicine applications and manufacturing: progress and challenges.
in Nanomedicine (London, England)
Savage AC
(2019)
Improving maraviroc oral bioavailability by formation of solid drug nanoparticles.
in European journal of pharmaceutics and biopharmaceutics : official journal of Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Pharmazeutische Verfahrenstechnik e.V
Slater R
(2012)
Architecture-driven aqueous stability of hydrophobic, branched polymer nanoparticles prepared by rapid nanoprecipitation
in Soft Matter
Slater Rebecca
(2012)
Architecture-driven aqueous stability of hydrophobic, branched polymer nanoparticles prepared by rapid nanoprecipitation
in ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
Description | A new material platform has been developed that has the potential as a new nanomedicine carrier of drugs |
Exploitation Route | The materials has been licenced to a third party company non-exclusively and also form part of the portfolio for a UoL spinout company |
Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Chemicals Healthcare Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
Description | The results have generated considerable industrial impact and discussions with several companies across disparate market sectors. Further funding has been received to study the use of the materials in cancer therapies |
First Year Of Impact | 2016 |
Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Chemicals,Healthcare,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
Impact Types | Societal |
Description | Membership of Innovate UK Emerging Technologies and Industries Steering Committee |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Membership of a guideline committee |
Description | (REFINE) - Regulatory Science Framework for Nano(bio)material-based Medical Products and Devices |
Amount | € 7,967,941 (EUR) |
Funding ID | 761104 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start | 12/2017 |
End | 11/2021 |
Description | An Injectable Implant Providing Long-Acting Drug Delivery for the Treatment of Chronic disease |
Amount | £931,713 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/S012265/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2019 |
End | 01/2023 |
Description | CRUK Multidisciplinary award |
Amount | £1,054,422 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 21094 |
Organisation | Cancer Research UK |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2016 |
End | 09/2020 |
Description | Innovate UK Open Funding Call |
Amount | £179,180 (GBP) |
Organisation | Innovate UK |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2017 |
End | 04/2018 |
Description | Nanoengineered microneedle arrays for enhanced delivery of long-acting HIV medicines |
Amount | £1,095,411 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/S028919/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2019 |
End | 09/2023 |
Description | National Institutes of Health (US) |
Amount | £2,100,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | R01AI134091 |
Organisation | National Institutes of Health (NIH) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United States |
Start | 06/2018 |
End | 06/2023 |
Description | New Branched Polymers Excipients and Emulsions for Enhanced Drug Delivery |
Amount | £1,728,068 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/R024804/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 06/2018 |
End | 06/2023 |
Description | Brazil |
Organisation | Federal University of Santa Maria |
Country | Brazil |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Hosted a visiting scientist from Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina P.O. Box 476, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil to undertake the evaluation of novel nanomaterials intended for drug delivery strategies. The Liverpool team provided hands on training and direct research relating to in vitro immunological characterisation, in vitro drug disposition assays and physiologically-based pharmacokinetic modelling. The collaboration has resulted in two publications. |
Collaborator Contribution | Adny Silva spent a period of 8 months at Liverpool learning various assays for pre-clinical assessment of nanomaterials that were generated by her and her colleagues in Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina P.O. Box 476, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil. The Brazilian collaborators therefore generated the materials and helped characterise them in Liverpool. They also co-wrote the two publications. |
Impact | Silva AH, Locatelli C, Filippin-Monteiro FB, Martin P, Liptrott NJ, Zanetti-Ramos BG, Benetti LC, Nazari EM, Albuquerque CA, Pasa AA, Owen A, Creczynski-Pasa TB. Toxicity and inflammatory response in Swiss albino mice after intraperitoneal and oral administration of polyurethane nanoparticles. Toxicol Lett. 2016 Mar 30;246:17-27. doi: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2016.01.018. Epub 2016 Jan 25. |
Start Year | 2014 |
Description | EU Nanocharacterisation Laboratory |
Organisation | University of Glasgow |
Department | English Language |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The University of Liverpool team provide critical expertise developed through EPSRC grant funded activity, to the Horizon 2020 funded European Nanocharcterisation Laboratory |
Collaborator Contribution | Additional input from multiple EU partners to characterise candidate nanomedicines |
Impact | No outputs as yet |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Industrial collaboration on polymers from multi vinyl monomers (degradable consumer products) |
Organisation | Croda Europe Ltd |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Materials synthesised for evaluation |
Collaborator Contribution | Project review and in-house materials evaluation |
Impact | Materials evaluated for a range of applications |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Study of process and materials innovation for potential benefits |
Organisation | INEOS Chlor Vinyls |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Materials studied, and produced for internal evaluation |
Collaborator Contribution | Pilot scale polymer synthesis using novel additives, evaluation of products and reporting |
Impact | Materials have been seen to be of interest |
Start Year | 2018 |
Title | BRANCHED POLYESTER CARRYING DENDRONS |
Description | Branched polyesters carrying dendrons are a useful class of nanomaterials which exhibit good handling properties and stability, can degrade to a high extent, and are effective encapsulation materials. They can be used to make nanoprecipitated particles which may for example be used in therapy. Furthermore, these materials can be synthesised by economical and tailorable processes. The materials can be prepared by the ring-opening polymerisation (ROP) of mono-functional lactone monomers and difunctional lactone monomers, using dendron initiators. |
IP Reference | US2019023852 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2019 |
Licensed | No |
Impact | The patent has contributed to an underpinning CRUK grant that is still under evaluation |
Title | BRANCHED POLYESTER CARRYING DENDRONS |
Description | Branched polyesters carrying dendrons are a useful class of nanomaterials which exhibit good handling properties and stability, can degrade to a high extent, and are effective encapsulation materials. They can be used to make nanoprecipitated particles which may for example be used in therapy. Furthermore, these materials can be synthesised by economical and tailorable processes. The materials can be prepared by the ring-opening polymerisation (ROP) of monofunctional lactone monomers and difunctional lactone monomers, using dendron initiators. |
IP Reference | WO2017118842 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2017 |
Licensed | No |
Impact | None as yet |
Title | BRANCHED POLYMERS |
Description | The present invention relates to a branched amphiphilic polymer, suitable for stabilizing an emulsion, comprising a plurality of polymer chains comprising hydrophobic chain ends; a plurality of polymer chains comprising functional chain ends capable of associating to a biological substrate; and a plurality of branching units. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing said branched amphiphilic polymers, their methods of use, and methods for their preparation. |
IP Reference | US2019218323 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2019 |
Licensed | No |
Impact | This invention is subject to a further EPSRC Health Impact Partnership Grant |
Title | BRANCHED POLYMERS |
Description | The present invention relates to a branched amphiphilic polymer, suitable for stabilizing an emulsion, comprising a plurality of polymer chains comprising hydrophobic chain ends; a plurality of polymer chains comprising functional chain ends capable of associating to a biological substrate; and a plurality of branching units. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing said branched amphiphilic polymers, their methods of use, and methods for their preparation. |
IP Reference | WO2018029462 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2018 |
Licensed | No |
Impact | None as yet but ongoing discussions |
Title | NANOEMULSIONS |
Description | An oil-in-water emulsion comprises an emulsifier which is a non-gelled branched polymer (e.g. a branched vinyl polymer), wherein the ends of at least some of the chains of said polymer terminate in an alkyl chain of 5 carbon atoms or more, and wherein the oil-in-water emulsion takes the form of particles having a z-average diameter of no greater than about 1000 nm. This is useful in, for example, facilitating the carrying of hydrophobic materials within aqueous systems, to enhance oral drug delivery. The oil-in-water emulsion may be prepared by mixing an oil phase with an aqueous phase in the presence of an emulsifier, wherein said emulsifier is a non-gelled branched polymer, wherein the ends of at least some of the chains of said polymer terminate in an alkyl chain of 5 carbon atoms or more, and wherein the oil-in-water emulsion takes the form of particles having a z-average diameter of no greater than about 1000 nm. The oil phase may comprise a further solvent which is miscible with the oil, said solvent being allowed to evaporate to produce the final emulsion. |
IP Reference | WO2016124925 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2016 |
Licensed | No |
Impact | Innovate UK funding for mucoadhesive emulsions and further patents |
Title | OPHTHALMIC COMPOSITIONS |
Description | A composition comprises: a base oil; an additive comprising a copolymer comprising hydrophobic and hydrophilic units; and a drug. The copolymer may for example have a comb structure in which the hydrophobic units and hydrophilic units are pendant chains on a backbone of the copolymer. The hydrophobic units and hydrophilic units may for example comprise polydimethylsiloxane moieties and ethylene glycol residues respectively. The composition may for example be used as a tamponade or as a component for a tamponade administered to the eye. The invention is useful for solubilising and/or releasing drugs. |
IP Reference | US2019175497 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2019 |
Licensed | No |
Impact | This patent is subject to a Healthcare Impact Partnership grant |
Title | OPHTHALMIC COMPOSITIONS |
Description | A composition comprises: a base oil; an additive; and a drug. The additive has segments which are conjugated, e.g. covalently linked, together. A first segment facilitates solubility in the base oil, whereas a second segment facilitates drug solubility and/or modifies drug release or other behaviour. The first segment may for example comprise a poly(dimethylsiloxane)-containing moiety. The second segment may for example resemble a drug molecule. The composition may for example be used as a tamponade or as a component for a tamponade administered to the eye. |
IP Reference | US2019175742 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2019 |
Licensed | No |
Impact | This patent is subject to a Healthcare Impact Partnership grant |
Title | PARTICLES CONTAINING BRANCHED POLYMERS |
Description | Particles comprising a branched polymer and either a block copolymer or a linear dendritic hybrid represent a category of useful materials. They may be used in for example drug delivery applications. They may be prepared by a method comprising the steps of: dissolving the branched polymer and block copolymer or linear dendritic hybrid, and optionally other component(s),in a solvent to form a solution; adding said solution to a different liquid; and removing said solvent to form a dispersion of co-precipitated particles. |
IP Reference | WO2016009227 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2016 |
Licensed | Yes |
Impact | None as yet |
Title | POLYDENDRONS |
Description | A method of preparing a non-gelled branched vinyl polymer scaffold carrying dendrons, comprising the living or controlled polymerization of a monofunctional vinyl monomer and a difunctional vinyl monomer, using a dendron initiator and at least one further initiator. |
IP Reference | WO2014199174 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2014 |
Licensed | Yes |
Impact | None as yet |
Title | POLYDENDRONS |
Description | A method of preparing a pH-responsive non-gelled branched vinyl polymer scaffold carrying dendrons, comprismg the living or controlled polymerization of a mono functional vinyl monomer and a difunctional vinyl monomer, using a dendron initiator. |
IP Reference | WO2014199175 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2014 |
Licensed | Yes |
Impact | None as yet |
Company Name | Tandem Nano |
Description | Tandem Nano develops nanomedicine technologies for the delivery of poorly-soluble medicinal compounds, focusing on using nanoparticles to deliver drugs directly to specific cells or the blood. |
Year Established | 2014 |
Impact | The company has engaged with major multinational industries and is progressing options towards commercial exploitation |
Website | http://www.tandemnano.com |
Description | Academic outreach |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Research Seminar (invited) to inform audience of Nanomedicine and impact of new therapeutic research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Colorectal Therapies Healthcare Technologies Co-operative Workshop Nanoparticle-Enhanced Radiotherapy, UCL, London 27th October 2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Dissemination and discussion of optimal approaches that may be taken for therapy options for colorectal cancer |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Early Career Researcher Meeting - BSNM |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | The British Society for Nanomedicine was initiated from EPSRC funded research. This was the annual Early Career Researcher Meeting, held at the Crick Institute in London |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://www.britishsocietynanomedicine.org/ |
Description | Meeting with Industry (AZ) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Significant interest in nanomedicine activities. Event allowed detailed engagement in discussion to evaluate future collaboration activities |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Meeting with industry (Revolymer) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Engagement with research activities and future licence/collaborative research opportunities |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Pint of Science |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The international Pint of Science public engagement science festival aiming to communicate contemporary scientific developments to the general public in an interesting, engaging and approachable way by bringing scientists to the pub and other accessible places. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://news.liverpool.ac.uk/2017/04/03/drink-think-pint-science-festival-coming-liverpool/ |
Description | Princes Teaching Institute CPD |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | CPD for teachers. Presentation designed to update teachers with up to date information to allow teaching knowledge in Nanomedicine |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Schools Outreach activity |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Vardean College/RSC Sixth former science meeting. Engagement with 6th formers to explain current progress in Nanomedicine |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | University of Liverpool Open House |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Public engagement activity to engage public with UoL research and Nanomedicine |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Website update for British Society for Nanomedicine |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | The British Society for Nanomedicine website was updated and release. This is focussed on outreach and public engagement |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://www.britishsocietynanomedicine.org/ |