Project
Regener8 combines the expertise of 8 universities in translational regenerative medicine and accelerates the development of therapies to bring them though to clinic and market. Since 2007, Regener8 has generated over £10 million of research income, worked with over 50 businesses and several NHS Trusts.
This collaborative project is aimed at improving quality assurance and transport of donated pancreatic organs. These are used to treat patients with type 1 diabetes using islet transplantation, a process which researchers hope will help people with type 1 diabetes live without daily injections of insulin.
Partners
Delivery
Regener8 brought together businesses and researchers across the supply chain to pool their expertise and resources on this idea. The quality assurance initiative was led by Complement Genomics, working with Labman Automation and medical and business school researchers. The consortium is receiving ongoing Regener8 business support including initial IP advice and identification of new market opportunities.
Impact
These innovations are needed to improve the clinical success of the procedure and number of patients that can be treated. The impact of the research from this N8, NHS and private sector collaboration will be improved outcomes for patients, and supply chain development innovation and opportunities for the NHS and private sector.
Success
The project is still being implemented, however the projects aims to improve quality assurance and transport protocols for islet transplantation, a surgical intervention in which islets (clusters of ‘beta’ cells which make insulin) are isolated from the donor pancreas. The current transport method has not been optimised, and it is anticipated that a new transport protocol will improve the clinical success of these procedures as it will allow healthier cells to be selected.
Testimonial
“As a result of Regener8’s Clinical Challenge programme, we are now part of a promising consortium of Biotech companies here in the North East and in London. We are hopeful of making a real difference to treating type 1 diabetes as well as growing our business.”
Louise Allcroft, Chief Executive Officer, Complement Genomics