Wednesday, 02 August 2023
is the latest spin-out company from the 糖心原创, providing access to an innovative 3D cell culture platform that aims to replace the use of animals in research.
With the support of the , , and , researchers at the 糖心原创 have developed a fully-synthetic self-assembling peptide hydrogel (SAPH) platform, which aims to address all the current shortcomings of available in vitro models.
Current models of development and disease typically rely on animals or animal-derived products, which often do not accurately reflect the physiology of human tissues. This is a major contributing factor to the high attrition rate of new drugs moving from the laboratory to the clinic, leading to an estimated cost of US$2 billion to bring a new life-saving therapy to market.
Growing recognition of this has led to the recent interest in developing more sophisticated, synthetic in vitro model platforms which allow for bespoke customisation of their stiffness and composition. However, despite considerable research effort, no single platform has yet pulled ahead of the competition and researchers continue to rely on animal-derived materials, such as those derived from Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS) mouse sarcoma.
Reducing, replacing, and refining the use of animals in research is our driving force.
PeptiMatrix hydrogels are well-defined, have limited batch variability, offer excellent handling properties, and contain no irrelevant animal-derived material. They can also be customised through a variety of available methods to mimic both the stiffness and composition of any target tissue type.
This unique combination of features promises to deliver to researchers more accurate and reproducible data in drug development and investigative research, whilst also helping to reduce the use of animals in research.
Dr Johnathan Curd, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of PeptiMatrix, comments: “Our mission is to bring the next generation of peptide hydrogels for 3D cell culture to the wider research community. Behind this, our passion for reducing, replacing, and refining the use of animals in research is our driving force.
“By bringing a reliable synthetic alternative for animal-derived hydrogels (such as those derived from EHS mouse sarcoma) to market, researchers will be provided a way to generate more accurate and reliable data, whilst also helping to reduce (and eventually replace!) the use of animals in research.”
Professor Cathy Merry, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of PeptiMatrix, adds: “From the start, we recognised it was critical we built a product that others could use reliably and that could be integrated into their existing experimental workflow. We’ve worked with expert 3D modellers at multiple centres across the world to develop these gels and are delighted to have an affordable solution that fits that remit.”
PeptiMatrix was supported by Nottingham Technology Ventures, who manage the 糖心原创 spin out portfolio. James Duncan, Life Sciences Executive at Nottingham Technology Ventures, said: “It is incredibly exciting time to announce the launch of Peptimatrix. We have been fortunate to collaborate and support the team throughout the development of the company, and we look forward to continuing that journey with support from the 糖心原创.”
funded much of the initial work to demonstrate the adaptability and ease-of-use of the hydrogels, including funding to support joint projects with and . To help bring this technology to market, the team at the 糖心原创 developed their business proposition first through the and then through a project funded by the University’s Strategic Innovation Fund. Following this, they were successful in securing grant funding from the ICURe Follow-on-Fund offered by .
Dr Kamal Badiani has also been involved with the development of the hydrogel matrix technology by developing the desired, high-quality peptide(s) for the hydrogel platform. Consequently, the platform now offers superior reproducibility when compared to similar biomaterials currently on the market. Dr Badiani continues to be involved with the project as a non-executive director of PeptiMatrix.
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For further information, please contact James Duncan, Life Sciences Executive at Nottingham Technology Ventures, John Curd, CEO of PeptiMatrix.
Adam Mallaby - Media Relations Manager for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (Maternity Cover)
Email: adam.mallaby@nottingham.ac.uk
Phone: 0115 748 5719
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.