The University of Manchester (UoM) bid for phase 7 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 (CIC) scheme is a key part of MRC’s translational research strategy and provides annual awards to institutions to flexibly support a portfolio of early stage translational research projects. CIC is designed to accelerate the transition from discovery research to viable translational projects by supporting preliminary studies to establish proof-of-concept so that the approach will then become competitive for more substantial translational funding

Publications

10 25 50
 
Description Advanced nerve guidance conduits for peripheral nerve repair 
Organisation 3D Technology Laboratories
Country United States 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution NIHR funded Phase 1 clinical investigation into use of nerve guidance conduit 'Polynerve' in 17 patients with digital nerve injuries at MFT. New collaboration with 30 Technology (https://30.technology) funding a joint PhD studentship with Advanced Biomedical Materials CDT; Julie Gough as PI.
Collaborator Contribution Polynerve is currently under due diligence procedures with Dutch venture building company. Novel treatments for nerve injured patients.
Impact NIHR funded Phase 1 clinical investigation into use of nerve guidance conduit 'Polynerve' in 17 patients with digital nerve injuries at MFT. New collaboration with 30 Technology (https://30.technology) funding a joint PhD studentship with Advanced Biomedical Materials CDT; Julie Gough as PI.
Start Year 2022
 
Company Name Apini Therapeutics 
Description Apini Therapeutics develops small molecule compounds which aim to treat chronic inflammatory diseases. 
Year Established 2021 
Impact This work is ongoing, however initial data on the effects of eNAMPT on the proliferation and migration of cancer cell lines in vitro shows a more limited effect than seen the literature. As a result we are no longer investigating the direct anti-tumour effects, however we do observe significant release of eNAMPT in cell cultures so are following up on the impact of this on innate immune cells to understand and validate role of NAMPT and our eNAMPT modulators in this setting. The spin out company will provide economic benefits through likely international commercialisation of a UK-discovered and developed drug with a potential market value of >$1Bn pa.
 
Company Name Link Biologics 
Description Link Biologics operates a biotechnology company that develops treatments for inflammatory and degenerative diseases. 
Year Established 2020 
Impact No significant impacts noted as yet.
Website https://linkbiologics.co.uk/
 
Company Name ReTendon 
Description ReTendon develops a medical device designed to aid in the rebuilding of severed tendons. 
Year Established 2021 
Impact Improved healthcare benefits for patients who need tendons reattaching. RITRS would enable patients earlier movement, much better range of motion &smaller wounds, leading to 1) more satisfactory outcome, 2) reduced burden of reoperation,&3) faster recovery & reduced follow-up required (potentially by 50%) Improved health economics for NHS Improved economy for UK as potential industry translation likely due to recent HoT with NLC Healthcare
Website https://retendon.com/
 
Company Name TaBriX 
Description TaBriX develops anti-virulence drugs for the treatment of drug-resistant infections, specialising in the treatment of TB. 
Year Established 2021 
Impact Created a new company, TaBriX (https://tabrix.co.uk/) Signed collaboration agreement with Global TB Alliance Yes, have raised £102K form CCF funding and £55K from WT-P4T to test efficacy of the new compounds developed. Health benefit in an area of unmet need. New drugs to treat TB will have a world-wide health benefit, impact in society, the clinic and health system. Every year > 1.6m people die of TB and ~ 10m get infected.
Website https://tabrix.co.uk/
 
Description Implementation of a bladder cancer hypoxia gene expression signature: transcriptome platform selection 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Conference abstract: Smith T, AbdelKarem O, Irlam-Jones J, Valentine H, Lane B, Lunj S, More E, Choudhury A, West C. Implementation of a bladder cancer hypoxia gene expression signature: transcriptome platform selection. EACR Jun 2021
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021