New licensing agreement for UCL technology to combat antimicrobial resistance

The alarming rise and spread of antimicrobial resistance is an increasing global challenge and there is considerable interest and an acknowledged benefit in the targeted delivery of antimicrobial agents.

UCL Business and AGA Nanotech Ltd have concluded a licensing agreement for use of TIPS microparticle technology in directing the controlled delivery of antimicrobial agents in the healthcare setting. The licensing agreement represents the conclusion of a collaborative translational research program supported by the UCL Translational Research Office, UCL Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, and AGA Nanotech Ltd.

The technology was developed by Dr Richard Day (UCL Research Department of Metabolism and Experimental Therapeutics) and was one of the UCL translational research projects located in the laboratories at the Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst.

Dr Day commented: ‘TIPS particle technology is an enabling platform with a variety of applications and our relationship with AGA Nanotech Ltd represents one of our first successful moves into product development. We continue to work with a number of interested parties across a number of application areas where the TIPS particle technology adds sustained and valuable benefits.’

Adrian Fellows (R&D Director, AGA Nanotech Ltd) added: ‘The collaboration with Dr Day’s group has been highly productive, enabling the testing of ideas that will open up new business opportunities. Aga believes that combining the TIPS delivery system with our own distinct antimicrobial expertise offers unique opportunities to replace conventional antibiotics, not only in healthcare and woundcare, but also in animal health and welfare.’

Professor Bryan Williams (University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) Director), said: “I am delighted that the BRC’s support and experience in bringing medical innovations to our patients has helped facilitate this exciting development; and look forward to seeing the TIPS microparticle technology in our clinical practice.”

The agreement was negotiated on behalf of the UCL by its technology commercialisation office, UCL Business. Cengiz Tarhan, Managing Director of UCL Business commented: ‘TIPS has wide applicability and the development of a partnership between AGA Nanotech Ltd and UCL in this breakthrough area has been highly productive. The signing of this agreement represents a significant milestone and is a pivotal step in the progression of the TIPS particle technology into marketed products which support healthcare as they tackle the challenge of antimicrobial resistance.’

Links
Dr Richard Day’s academic profile
UCL Translational Research Office
University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre
AGA Nanotech Ltd.

About UCL Business PLC
UCL Business PLC (UCLB) is a leading technology commercialisation company that supports research and innovations arising from UCL, one of the UK’s top research-led universities. UCLB has a successful track record and a strong reputation for identifying and protecting promising new technologies and innovations from UCL academics. UCLB has a strong track record in commercialising medical technologies and provides technology transfer services to UCL’s associated hospitals; University College London Hospitals, Moorfields Eye Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and the Royal Free London Hospital. It invests directly in development projects to maximise the potential of the research and manages the commercialisation process of technologies from laboratory to market. For further information, please visit: www.uclb.com