Regenerative Medicine Concept Innovation Fund

Lead Research Organisation: Keele University
Department Name: UNLISTED

Abstract

Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.

Technical Summary

The Confidence in Concept scheme is a key part of MRC’s translational research strategy and provides annual awards to institutions, to be used flexibly to support the earliest stages of multiple translational research projects. The award can be used by the institution to support a number of preliminary-stage translational projects. The projects supported should aim to provide sufficient preliminary data to establish the viability of an approach –– before seeking more substantive funding.  It is intended to accelerate the transition from discovery research to translational development projects by supporting preliminary work or feasibility studies to establish the viability of an approach.

People

ORCID iD
 
Description Creating 3D models of ARVC (Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy) disease with light-induced tuneable severity in stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes
Amount £107,036 (GBP)
Funding ID FS/19/71/34688 
Organisation British Heart Foundation (BHF) 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 10/2020 
End 09/2023
 
Description EPSRC Healthcare Challenge Discipline Hop
Amount £139,467 (GBP)
Funding ID EP/T013885/1 
Organisation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 06/2020 
End 08/2022
 
Description MICA: Moving From Autologous to Allogeneic Cell Therapy: Developing Up-Scale GMP Protocols for Orthopaedics.
Amount £297,000 (GBP)
Organisation Medical Research Council (MRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 12/2019 
End 12/2021
 
Description iCURE
Amount £35,000 (GBP)
Organisation Innovate UK 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 10/2020 
End 01/2021
 
Title 3D stem cell growth in neurosurgical grade biomaterials 
Description we have developed methods by which genetically engineered stem cells can be grown in neurosurgical grade biomaterials, with assessment of key regenerative properties of the encapsulated cells. We have also succesfully used electron microscopy methods to study both the materials and cell growth within these. 
Type Of Material Biological samples 
Year Produced 2018 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact The metholology is currently being prepared for two publications, one of the use of the Duragen matrix from Integra Life Sciences, the other Haemopatch from Baxter 
 
Description Application of functional optical coherence tomography to investigate the mechanism and administration strategies of matrix therapy drug in corneal ulcer healing 
Organisation Thea Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution We have long standing research in fabrication of corneal tissue models and application of new images modality produced by Professor Huang's group in Dundee University. Thea Pharmaceuticals has produced new types of wound healing drugs and requires more precise assessment of working dose and mechanism by non-destructive techniques. We are successfully to award CRACK IT solution funding and undertook a collaborative research since 2017.
Collaborator Contribution Thea pharmaceuticals provides drugs and patients' feedback on their products.
Impact Multiple conference proceedings articles have been generated.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Biofilm with Warwick University 
Organisation University of Warwick
Department Warwick Antimicrobial Interdisciplinary Centre
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Testing of mammalian cell in vitro compatbility with biofilm growth media
Collaborator Contribution Provision of biofilm growth media
Impact No outputs or outcomes at this point. Multidisciplinarity - tissue engineering, stem cell biology, biofilm, microbiology
Start Year 2019
 
Description Developing allogenic chondrocyte therapies 
Organisation Terumo BCT
Country United States 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution The research team has provided a clinically relevant environment to evaluate the Quantum system for allogenic cell expansion.The over-arching aim of this project is to utilise this technology to improve the cost and long-term effectiveness of chondrocyte therapies, which have been identified as barriers to a recommendation for the wide-spread adoption of these techniques across the NHS.
Collaborator Contribution Terumo BCT have provided access to the Quantum which is a state-of-the-art bioreactor designed, with Good Manufacturing Practice compliance in mind, for the expansion of adherent cell populations to be used in allogeneic treatments. Essentially, the Quantum machine is a computerised incubator which houses disposable bioreactors that consist of gas inlet/outlets and transfer modules, media, reagent and waste inlet/outlets together with a core of ~11.5k hollow fibres which provide a cell growth surface area of ~2.1m2. Together, these components form a 'closed' cell expansion system. The Quantum has the potential to reduce autologous product consumables and labour costs, decrease the risk of product contamination, improve product reproducibility and increased cell numbers for multiple dose chondrocyte banking.
Impact No impacts at this point.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Development of a xeno-free technique for human pluripotent stem cell expansion 
Organisation The Electrospinning Company
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution This project is designed to translate a patent-protected xeno-free technique describing nanofiber-based human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) expansion, differentiation, and implantation towards a therapeutic product. We will differentiate expanded hPSCs in vitro, transplant in vivo, and evaluate host tissue integration (e.g. vascularisation, immunogenic reaction). Multipotent human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) will be included to broaden commercial appeal and scope.
Collaborator Contribution This project will be performed in collaboration with the Electrospinning Company Ltd who will provide nanofiber-based scaffolds via their ISO accredited facilities and processes. These will be used to assess reproducibility, safety and specificity where hPSCs will form specialised tissues as technology exemplars.
Impact No outputs at this point. Project is in initiation phase.
Start Year 2011
 
Description Protective matrices for delivery of genetically augmented canine olfactory ensheathing cell transplants 
Organisation Jellagen
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution The research team are evaluating the suitability of Jellagens non-mammalian collagen source as a carrier scaffold for olfactory ensheathing cells.
Collaborator Contribution The partner has supplied non-mammalian collagen for use experimentally.
Impact None at this point. Project is in early stage.
Start Year 2017
 
Title Scaffolds and Uses of 
Description The present invention relates to a new method and biomaterial for culturing stem cells, and particularly a new method of culturing human pluripotent stem cells and biomaterial for culture of human pluripotent stem cells, scaffolds comprising aligned fiber membranes, methods for preparing scaffolds, kits comprising a scaffold, transplant products, use of the scaffolds to filter biological molecules, methods of filtering biological molecules and inserts for biological molecule filtration. 
IP Reference GB20011897.4 
Protection Patent application published
Year Protection Granted
Licensed No
Impact No impact at this point.
 
Description Cell and Gene Therapy: 21st Century Medicines 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact The engagement event was held in collaboration with Cobra Biologics and was designed to introduce basic knowledge and career options in the arena of Cell and Gene Therapy. We welcomed around 100 GCSE and A-level students from both local and national backgrounds to hear a range of presentations including from the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, Cobra Biologics, and ISTMs Prof James Richardson, himself a pioneer of cell therapy in the UK. A lively discussion was held immediately following on from the talks (~15 minutes) after which snacks and drinks were provided around a number of trade stalls where further discussion was held. Widespread positive feedback was received following on from the event including requests for next years dates.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL http://www.cobrabio.com/News/December-2017/Post-Event-21Cmed