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Patients needing dental implants or joint replacements could have fewer post-operation infections, meaning fewer would require repeat surgery, as a result of new technology coming to Birmingham. NanoTi, a Hungarian start-up company specialising in surface treatment for titanium dental and orthopaedic implants to combat infection, has been announced as the first organisation to reserve space in The BioHub – a brand new biomedical facility under construction at Birmingham Research Park in Edgbaston.

In the past 10 years the incidence of bone implant related infections has increased rapidly, especially in the case of dental implants. At the same time, the prevailing treatment – antibiotics – has lost effectiveness due to the increasing resistance of bacteria. Using an innovative proprietary electrochemical process, the NanoTi technology enables implant manufacturers to change the surface of titanium implants in a way that reduces the risk of post-operative infection. Implant manufacturers can either retrofit NanoTi equipment to their production lines or buy the surface treatment services directly from NanoTi.

Having secured funding to expand their growing business, NanoTi founders Miklós Weszl and Krisztian Toth, set about looking for premises at which to locate their UK office, and initially took up a Virtual Tenancy at Birmingham Research Park. The new building then became the focus of their attention. “The location of The Biomedical Innovation Hub at Birmingham Research Park provides an extraordinary environment for the growth of life science start-ups, such as ours, by helping them to maximise their innovation potential” explained Miklós Weszl.

The BioHub, due to open in October this year, is a brand new, fully serviced biomedical laboratory, specifically designed to provide entrepreneurs and innovative start-ups, such as NanoTi, with access to affordable laboratory facilities and equipment. The £6.8m development is jointly funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the University of Birmingham and Birmingham City Council.

Helen Miller-Viney, Business Development Manager for The BioHub said “We are really looking forward to welcoming NanoTi as one of the first occupiers of this fantastic new facility for start-ups and small biomedical companies.”

The company will join the existing vibrant and diverse network of businesses, clinicians and the wider University of Birmingham research community based around the Birmingham Research Park site in Edgbaston.

Birmingham Research Park is a long-standing and successful joint venture between the University of Birmingham and Birmingham City Council. It is ideally placed in the heart of the Edgbaston Medical Quarter, a thriving cluster of medical and biomedical activity situated around the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the University of Birmingham’s College of Medical and Dental Sciences. The Edgbaston Medical Quarter is home to 64% of the city’s healthcare economy including 180 medical organisations, 44 GP clinics and routine care facilities and 80 hospitals and specialist care centres.

CEO of Birmingham Research Park, James Wilkie, added “As well as benefitting from the state of the art laboratory facilities, NanoTi will receive comprehensive business support from the team at BizzInn on the Research Park to help grow their operations in the UK and Europe. They will also be able to access the world-class cluster of researchers, clinicians and facilities at the University of Birmingham”.

For further information on The BioHub, please contact: Helen Miller-Viney, Business Development Manager, Birmingham Research Park +44 (0)121 414 9252, [email protected]

Notes to editors

For press enquiries, please contact Tim Yates on +44 (0)121 414 8635, [email protected]

More information on The BioHub is available at Birmingham Research Park

Plan enterprise is a UK based multinational business advisory with promotion of international trade and investment between UK, India and Middle East as its one of the core service to the business in these three great regions of the world.

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Having been awarded best start-up at the 2012 Medilink West Midlands Healthcare Business Awards in December, the list of acalades for Serascience could continue to grow following the recent announcement that the company has now been shortlisted for the Medilink UK Awards.

Some of the world’s most pioneering technologies will be recognised at the prestigious awards ceremony, taking place at the ExCel Centre, London, on March 13. The Medilink UK Healthcare Business Awards, this year supported by the NIHR Devices for Dignity Healthcare Technology Co-operative, is an annual event that celebrates cutting edge technologies, outstanding business achievements and international success across the UK’s Life Sciences sector.

Serascience Limited, is a specialist cancer diagnostic company and the technology is based around monoclonal antibodies used for diagnosis and management of myeloma and related immune cell disorders. This was developed by the clinical immunology group of Professor Mark Drayson in the school of Immunity and Infection.

Related News:

Medilink UK Awards Shortlist Announced

University of Birmingham medical spinout company wins award

Cytox Limited, developer of a unique blood biomarker, ADpredict™, using a proprietary cell cycle approach for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), today announces a £3.5 million injection from new and existing backers reassured by a new, experienced management team with a proven track record.

ADpredict™, a blood-based test in development for identifying AD in early symptomatic patients, was developed by Cytox’s Science Director, Dr Zsuzsanna Nagy, Lead of the Neurodegeneration and Repair team based at the University of Birmingham.

Cytox is also today unveiling the completion of a study sponsored by Roche on ADpredict™. Cytox says the results further build their confidence that the assay – based on a totally novel paradigm for the disease-causing mechanism for AD – will become an important tool to assist pharma companies in their development of new therapies. The results will be used to refine the next steps in assay validation and clinical development. ADpredict™ has now been tested in close to 300 subjects in three clinical studies; the new data from this has been submitted for publication.

Steered by experienced diagnostics entrepreneur David Evans as Chairman, Cytox has appointed an ex-GE Medical Diagnostics Global Head of Research & Development, Richard Pither, as CEO. Richard has a background in molecular and cellular pathology and has been involved in the development of diagnostic and therapeutic pharmaceutical products for more than 20 years.

As well as Dr Nagy’s Birmingham lab, Cytox has opened a new HQ office on the Harwell Business Park near Oxford and a new research facility on the Manchester Science Park adjacent to the University of Manchester.

David Evans, Chairman of Cytox, says, “I am pleased to announce that we have exceeded our expectations for the first round of funding for Cytox at such an exciting juncture. This investment round is expected to exceed £3.5 million with around 85% coming from new backers. They are as excited as we are by Cytox’s proposition at a time when an early biomarker for Alzheimer’s is so keenly needed.

“We have compelling early validation data supporting the use of the ADpredict™ blood test in predicting Alzheimer’s disease in the early stages, just when having such a simple research use biomarker has become critically important to the development of new therapies. It was vitally important for us that we got the right team in place to enable us to align our priorities amongst customers in both pharma and clinical markets and offer them the level of expertise they needed to progress their clinical studies.

“We will now push forward with our plans to complete the remaining steps in assay development, deliver near-term revenue opportunities and conduct prospective clinical studies.

“The immediate value in research is clear and, with over 35m people worldwide suffering from dementia and an estimated 75m experiencing some degree of cognitive impairment, the long-term potential for use in clinical trials and diagnostic products is staggering.”

Mr Evans also acknowledges the valued assistance of City of London broker Hybridan for helping find some of the investors who have contributed to the investment in Cytox.

Commenting, Dr Penny Attridge, Senior Investment Director at SPARK Impact, which manages the North West Fund for Biomedical, says: “We are excited to be investing in Cytox’s paradigm-shifting science, just at a time when an early AD biomarker is so clearly needed in pharmaceutical research. The new management team at Cytox has an impressive track record and we have every confidence that the relaunched company will make a huge impact in its market.” The £25m North West Fund for Biomedical, managed by SPARK Impact, is a sub-fund of The North West Fund, which is provided by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), to supply equity funding to small and medium sized enterprises in the North West of England.

Further commenting, renowned biotech investor, Jim Mellon, says: “We’re delighted to see a renewed focus from Cytox. Their approach is unique and is being developed to create a much needed candidate companion diagnostic to identify Alzheimer’s in its early stages. It should therefore continue to attract serious interest in this therapeutic market.”

A key Cytox investor is The University of Birmingham. As a senior lecturer and Lead of the Neurodegeneration and Repair team at the University of Birmingham, Dr Zsuzsanna Nagy continues her pioneering work in Neurodegeneration, preclinical drug screening, biomarkers and risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases. Cytox has a strong intellectual property portfolio of in vitro diagnostic products all of which are licensed from the University of Birmingham via its wholly owned subsidiary Alta Innovations Ltd and the University of Oxford via ISIS Innovation, its technology transfer subsidiary.

Dr James Wilkie, CEO of Alta Innovations Ltd, says: “With a new management structure in place, 2012 has seen excellent progress culminating in a successful re-financing of the Cytox business. With this investment we feel confident that Cytox will be able to commercially develop its AD biomarker to the point where it can be successfully applied for use in screening patients for clinical trials.”

Dean Slagel, Managing Director of Esperante, the privately-held life science investment fund,says: “As a life science fund currently interested in diagnostics and biomarkers, we are delighted to be investing in Cytox on the merits of an excellent team and multiple market opportunities in the diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic management of Alzheimer’s, Mild Cognitive Impairment and associated indications. Cytox’s unique approach is innovative, exciting and carries huge potential.”

New investor, Rajat Malhotra, Partner, Wren Capital, says: “We were introduced to Cytox by David Evans. We have worked closely with David before: he has a strong track record in diagnostics.

There are three main reasons we decided to invest in Cytox. Firstly, the science behind it is very credible and innovative. Second, Alzheimer’s diagnostics is with a big global market out there that needs a solution that we believe Cytox can provide. Thirdly, Richard Pither is without doubt one of the most impressive CEOs we have come across in a long time. The company is in the hands of somebody with the right vision, the right networks and deep experience in dementia.”

Editor’s Notes

About Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) causes degeneration of the brain, leading to progressive impairment of memory and for which there are currently no effective curative treatments. Furthermore, no test is currently used by clinicians to diagnosis AD in its early stages of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), before significant brain damage has occurred and effective disease-modifying treatments might still make a difference in patients’ lives.

About Cytox Limited

Cytox Limited is a UK company developing diagnostic and prognostic services for neurodegenerative disorders. Cytox currently provides biomarker services, based on its ADpredict™ assay, to pharmaceutical industry clients conducting clinical trials with drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Its blood tests are used to predict which patients with MCI will develop AD, which allows treatment in the earliest stages of AD. The biomarkers are based on the cell cycle hypothesis of AD discovered by Dr. Zsuzsanna Nagy. This service enables patient stratification to enhance drug discovery and efficacy trials by means of a simple blood test, analysed in Cytox’s testing laboratory.

Cytox Technology

Cytox’s technology is based on discoveries made by the company’s scientific founder, Dr. Zsuzsanna Nagy, of cell cycle-related biomarkers associated with the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The cell cycle hypothesis postulates that dysfunction of the G1/S regulatory mechanism allows brain neurons to (abnormally) progress to the late stages of the cell cycle, where they produce plaques and tangles, the hallmark pathologies of AD.

Our investors

Alta Innovations Ltd is the technology transfer Office of The University of Birmingham and is responsible for the commercialisation of research undertaken at the University. Alta Innovations links academic research with business through licensing and spinout activity, collaborative research and consultancy projects to generate the new ideas, technologies and processes required to achieve competitive advantage.

For more information please see: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/generic/alta-innovations/about/index.aspx

Esperante is a privately-held life science investment fund with a portfolio of 17 therapeutic development, diagnostic and specialty pharmaceutical companies in Europe, North America and Israel. Esperante is led by experienced management from the pharmaceutical and diagnostics industries and is presently focussed on increasing its involvement in diagnostics and therapeutics providing near-term or current revenues. Esperante’s portfolio today comprises Altacor, Anergis, Atox Bio, BioSyntha, Canbex, Cara, Cytox, Endocells, Haemostatix, Immune Targeting Systems, Karus, NeuroTransit, Novacta, Pinnacle Biologics, Theryte, UroSens and Vantia.

For more information please visit www.esperanteventures.com

The £25m North West Fund for Biomedical, managed by SPARK Impact, is a sub-fund of The North West Fund, which is provided by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), to supply equity funding to small and medium sized enterprises in the North West of England. The North West Fund for Biomedical, which was launched in February 2011, is accessible to a broad range of companies including those developing pharmaceuticals, new diagnostics and medical devices, and those working in the fields of clinical research, contract manufacturing and analytical services. It is open to companies based in, or prepared to relocate to, the North West of England, with 40% of the fund to be invested on Merseyside. It is expected that the fund will invest in over 50 businesses. It has already received over 200 applications and made over 40 investments to date.

For more information about the fund please visit www.thenorthwestfund.co.uk

Wren Capital specialises in early stage investing across a variety of sectors. Our portfolio currently includes companies in the healthcare, energy, food & drink, and high-tech engineering sectors. Our involvement is tailored to the needs of each business and we aim to be a supportive value-adding investor. We generally follow a co-investment model and have links with a number of universities, business schools, angel networks and a trusted network of high quality investors who share our investment philosophy.

For more information please see: www.wrencapital.co.uk

To celebrate an international reputation in fuel cell and hydrogen research, the University of Birmingham recently hosted a seminar to invited guests both from industry and academia showcasing pioneering projects that will continue to help shape a sustainable future.

Professor Robert Steinberger-Wilckens, Director of the University’s Centre for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Research introduced the day’s programme highlighting investments into lab facilities that support research such as the production of hydrogen from waste, fuel cell electrical drives for road and aerial vehicles, and the direct use of natural gas in fuel cells for domestic hot water and power.

The importance of collaborating with industry was a key theme of the event and current and former members of staff and students were joined by industry partners such as Microcab Ltd and Airmax Group.

Mr Paul Honeyman, Product Manager, Vaillant UK said, “The quality of presentations was fantastic, and the enthusiasm with which they were delivered was admirable. To see the cars in the flesh was a great way of visualising how this research has been realised into what will undoubtedly be the fuel of the future as we look to find cleaner and more renewable ways of living our 21st century lives.”

Mr Stephen Crosher, CEO, Fleet Renewables said, “The 60 Years of Hydrogen event provided several insight’s into interesting and exciting technology developments emerging from Birmingham University. We hope that Fleet Renewables can become an active partner in commercialising some of the technology innovation available”.

The Centre for Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Research was formed in early 2000 by the former Director, Prof. Kevin Kendall and is part of the School of Chemical Engineering within the College of Engineering & Physical Sciences at The University of Birmingham. With an internationally recognised programme of research into hydrogen as a future energy vector and the development of key technologies in all of these areas, the University is working towards making a low and no carbon economy a reality.
The focus is on building a bridge between basic and applied research. Building on a firm basis of science, practical solutions are sought. Industry can engage with this expertise through commercial research and consultancy services, accessing equipment and facilities, through to collaboration and partnership to gain access to the university intellectual property.

Birmingham Research Park Ltd is pleased announce the launch of the new website following a brand refresh which better defines the parks offer to research led early start-up companies.

As well as communicating the offer to prospective tenants the new website will keep existing tenants better informed about news and events taking place on the park or at the University of Birmingham.

As the website is constantly evolving we would like to encourage tenants and visitors to have a look aroundand let us know what they think.

If you would like to recieve a new brochure please email [email protected] or alterantively click here to view an electronic copy.

The University of Birmingham is pleased to announce today that it has recently become the first Midlands University to be part of the Easy Access Innovation Partnership, which promotes new ways of transferring intellectual property (IP) to industry.

The University recognises it has a significant role in supporting economic recovery and stimulating innovation and it is therefore committed to working with industry to maximise the transfer of knowledge for public benefit.

Joining this initiative will make it easier for businesses to access the University’s research. Through its technology transfer agency, Alta Innovations Ltd, the University will be providing some of its IP portfolio for free using simple, standard agreements to make the whole process of IP exploitation much faster.

As well as making the adoption of its research and technology simpler the University anticipates this will be a mechanism to encourage new and longer-term relationships with business and to open up new areas for collaboration.

Professor Adam Tickell, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Knowledge Transfer) at the University of Birmingham, said:

“I am very pleased that we are now a partner in the Easy Access IP initiative. Although the University of Birmingham has always worked closely with industry we realize that for some businesses a University may seem like a complicated partner for collaboration. This initiative will enable businesses to access and adopt our IP very quickly. It’s an exciting step forward in our commitment to engage effectively with business and encourage use of the hard-won knowledge from our research for public benefit”.

The University of Bristol, King’s College London and the University of Glasgow are co-founding partners of Easy Access Innovation. Professor Steve Beaumont, Vice-Principal for Research & Enterprise at the University of Glasgow, said:

‘We are delighted that the University of Birmingham is joining the growing number of universities that have adopted the Easy Access approach to their Intellectual Property. We look forward to working closely with them on this exciting project which is raising awareness of the vital role universities have in stimulating innovation.”

Notes to editors’ section in press:

Easy Access IP

Easy Access IP is a collaborative project to promote new ways of sharing intellectual property and to adopt new approaches which make it easier for universities and industry to work together. The Easy Access IP Partnership includes King’s College London and the Universities of Glasgow, Bristol, Ottawa, Copenhagen, New South Wales, Mid Sweden and Staffordshire. Through the partners’ portfolios of free Easy Access IP it provides a fast-track route for the transfer of knowledge and expertise from universities to industry, so that it can be developed for the benefit of the economy and society.

www.easyaccessip.org.uk

Alta Innovations Ltd

Alta Innovations Ltd is the technology transfer agency of the University of Birmingham and is responsible for commercializing the University’s IP through licensing, spinouts and academic consultancy. http://www.alta.bham.ac.uk/

Until now the development of water-based cathode inks for use in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) has been unsuccessful but work taking place at the Centre for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Research at the University of Birmingham has made a significant breakthrough.

Driven by the need for environmentally friendly energy generation there is a growing market for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) that have a strong industrial focus. SOFCs offer an efficient, fuel flexible, low emission and relatively low cost means of producing electricity. The commercial applications of SOFCs include combined heat and power plants for homes and offices, stationary power generation and smaller mobile units for civil and military use to name but a few.

One of the most popular methods for producing the cathode of the current generation of SOFCs involves the use of organic solvent based inks; using solvents such as acetone or iso-propanol. These inks can provide a number of challenges when used, and scientists at the University of Birmingham have been looking to find a more efficient and environmentally friendly solution.

A new water-based ink has been developed, which is less volatile than the inks currently used in the manufacture of SOFCs. This means the new ink can be stored for longer and also that dip-coating can take place without any surface drying issues. This new water based system could also overcome the problems around handling solvents and potential environmental issues around using solvents. Furthermore, the electrical performance of fuel cells made with this new ink system, have outperformed previously-used acetone-based systems in laboratory conditions.

Katie Howe, who has led the research at the University of Birmingham said “Development of this technology should lead to easier manufacture of cells because the ink needed can be handled, stored and applied more easily. Using water instead of an organic solvent also lowers the cost and increases availability.”

This is just one example of a technology available for license through the University of Birmingham’s technology transfer company, Alta Innovations Ltd www.alta.bham.ac.uk.

Note to editor:

Alta Innovations Ltd is the technology transfer Office of The University of Birmingham and is responsible for the commercialisation of research undertaken at the University. Alta Innovations links academic research with business through licensing and spinout activity, collaborative research and consultancy projects to generate the new ideas, technologies and processes required to achieve competitive advantage.

For more information contact:

John Pearson
Business Development Manager
Alta Innovations Ltd
Tel: +44 (0)121 414 8632
[email protected]
www.alta.bham.ac.uk