The University of Manchester (UoM) bid for phase 5 of MRC Confidence in Concept (CiC) funding
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Manchester
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.
Organisations
Publications
Wilkinson S
(2022)
Photoacoustic imaging is a novel tool to measure finger artery structure and oxygenation in patients with SSc.
in Scientific reports
Patel K
(2020)
Effects of neurofeedback in the management of chronic pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.
in European journal of pain (London, England)
Patel K
(2020)
Using EEG Alpha States to Understand Learning During Alpha Neurofeedback Training for Chronic Pain.
in Frontiers in neuroscience
Nitkunanantharajah S
(2020)
Three-dimensional optoacoustic imaging of nailfold capillaries in systemic sclerosis and its potential for disease differentiation using deep learning.
in Scientific reports
Murray PG
(2018)
Transcriptomics and machine learning predict diagnosis and severity of growth hormone deficiency.
in JCI insight
Lopez-Diaz K
(2021)
Alpha entrainment drives pain relief using visual stimulation in a sample of chronic pain patients: a proof-of-concept controlled study.
in Neuroreport
Heald A
(2020)
Application of SWATH mass spectrometry in the identification of circulating proteins does not predict future weight gain in early psychosis.
in Clinical proteomics
Conroy P
(2018)
Time for a quick word? The striking benefits of training speed and accuracy of word retrieval in post-stroke aphasia.
in Brain : a journal of neurology
Conroy P
(2018)
Report on a novel treatment approach to aphasia: time for a quick word?
in British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing
| Company Name | Complement Therapeutics |
| Description | Complement Therapeutics researches how to improve the lives of patients with complement dysregulation that causes chronic illness. |
| Year Established | 2020 |
| Impact | Our lead product, CTx001, is in pre-clinical development for the localised treatment of Geographic Atrophy ('dry' age-related macular degeneration). In addition, we are developing therapeutics that are aimed at systemic modulation of the complement system. We anticipate that these assets will meet the needs of a wide range of patients with complement-mediated disease. Identified and corrected: flaws in other previous Complement-related approaches to treating Geographic Atrophy The flaws we have identified have prevented these other therapies from delivering their intended effects. In developing our own approaches, we have carefully analysed all aspects of the Complement System, investigated where therapies to date have fallen down and explored how we should avoid the flaws we have identified. Given the strategic importance of Chialexin (now known as CTx002) and Coalexin (CTx001), we never actually published any of our PoC data. We have, however, filled seven patents around the technology either directly or as a result of their use. All of the assets and IP are assigned from the UoM to Complement Therapeutics (see https://complementtx.com). The outcome of the funding is quite unusual as it was the first step (of many) that led to the founding of a UoM spin-out company Complement Therapeutics (see https://complementtx.com/), which recently raised €5million in seed funding. While the product at the centre of the CiC funding itself was not a raging success, the knowledge and data gained med to a second generation product that led to the formation of the company. However, the 'ghost' of this project lives on and the IP generated is incorporated into the company and is currently being revived as one of the company's alternative assets. |
| Website | http://complementtx.com |
| Company Name | Rostra Therapeutics Ltd |
| Description | Rostra Therapeutics is a company that aims to develop a new platform of molecules, the 2nd generation Strathclyde Minor Groove Binders (S-MGBs), into medicines to treat serious infectious diseases, with a focus on fungal infections. |
| Year Established | 2022 |
| Impact | The Strathclyde Minor Groove Binder (S-MGB) platform was originally developed under the leadership of Professor Colin Suckling. The initial S-MGB concept dates back to 2003, and has been a dedicated research priority for the University of Strathclyde since then. Since 2010, Dr Fraser Scott and Prof. Colin Suckling, working closely with Prof. Iain Hunter, have advanced the understanding of S-MGBs to develop a 2nd generation of this drug class. The Rostra Therapeutics team in its current form has been working together since July 2021, when commercial champion, Mr David Findlay, MBA was appointed by the University to help lead the commercialisation. David worked closely alongside Mr John Mulgrew, MBA from the Innovation and Industry Engagement directorate at the University. We are focused on accelerating the route to market through parallel development programmes, collaborations, and the use of accelerated regulatory routes. The 2nd generation S-MGBs have the potential to treat a variety of serious infections. Based on a clear unmet clinical need, positive data gathered to date and a viable commercial market, Rostra Therapuetic's initial focus is on developing S-MGBs to treat serious fungal infections. |
| Website | http://rostratx.com/ |
| Description | Gene Expression Data and Diagnosis of GHD - Presentations at British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Presentations at British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology - won best clinical abstract award. Data presented at NovoNordisk meeting on GH in Copenhagan and we will be including an element of our transcriptomic research into two upcoming industry studies on long acting growth hormone (REAL4 and REAL5). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |