Translational research
Ribosomes are found in all cells that produce proteins. Ribosome biogenesis is one of the most energy-intensive processes in cells and is closely related to cell growth and division. A constant supply of newly produced ribosomes is especially important for rapidly growing and dividing cells, including tumor cells. Therefore, it is obvious that ribosome biogenesis represents a highly interesting avenue in terms of drug development for the treatment of cancer. Helmut Bergler 's research group and the translational research center wings4innovation are currently pursuing a joint project to identify and develop novel drug candidates that can inhibit ribosome biogenesis. This project is fully funded by KHAN Technology Transfer Fund I, the parent organization of wings4innovation.
Sepsis and pulmonary edema are serious health problems associated with high mortality rates, and Valery Bochkov and his team developed specific phospholipids that exhibit dual activity. First, synthetic phospholipids inhibit the induction of bacterial systemic inflammation; second, these compounds improve the integrity of the endothelial barrier in the lungs, preventing the formation of pulmonary edema. Accordingly, these patent-protected compounds are promising candidates for the treatment of bacterial infections, pulmonary edema, and especially for the combination of both pathologies. The research group of Valery Bochkov and the translational research center wings4innovation, with funding from the parent organization KHAN Technology Transfer Fund I, pursued a joint project to evaluate the above compounds and develop them further.
The research of Dagmar Zweytick and her team in the field of novel peptides and their applications led to the granted patent "Peptides for the Treatment of Cancer", which is currently being further developed and exploited in collaboration with the company Newfield Therapeutics. The rights to this patent have now been transferred to Newfield Therapeutics.
A research collaboration between Stefan Schild and his team with Tufts University, Boston, USA, led to the development of a technology based on outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) for the flexible development of novel vaccines. A patent application has been filed based on this technology. In addition, further development is currently taking place as part of a project supported by aws (prototype funding).
Research on the enzyme adipocyte triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and its modulation has a successful history at the University of Graz. ATGL is a key enzyme in the degradation of triglycerides in adipose tissue and was discovered by Rudolf Zechner and his team at the University of Graz. The research of Rudolf Zechner, Robert Zimmermann and their teams in collaboration with the Graz University of Technology has recently led to the development and patent application of inhibitors of human ATGL. Currently, Prof. Robert Zimmermann's research group and the translational research center wings4innovation are pursuing a joint project for the preclinical development of ATGL inhibitors to be applied in the treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. This project is fully funded by the KHAN Technology Transfer Fund I, the parent organization of wings4innovation.
Frank Madeo and his team discovered certain (methoxy and hydroxy) flavones with strong antifungal properties. This finding led to the filing of two patent applications (methoxy and hydroxy flavones), which could be the basis for the development of compounds against fungal infections.
Spin offs
Aging research in BioHealth led to the foundation of the internationally successful spin-off company of the University of Graz TLL The Longevity Labs, as well as to several patent applications related to spermidine and its use. TLL developed the only spermidine supplement to date that was registered by EFSA as a novel food.
The research of Karl Gruber and his team in cooperation with the Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (acib) and the resulting patent portfolio for the determination of novel enzyme functions created the basis for the foundation of the spin-off company Innophore. Using its CatalophoreTM platform, Innophore is internationally successful in enzyme and drug discovery.
The research of Wolfgang Kroutil and his team created the basis for the spin-off company of the University of Graz Enzyan Biocatalysis GmbH. Enzyan Biocatalysis is active in the field of development and optimization of biocatalytic cascades as well as enzyme characterization and has already raised aws PreSeed funding.