News

Plant cell breakthrough holds promise for healthcare market

(7 March 2006)

The Centre of Excellence for Life Sciences (CELS), the organisation driving growth of the healthcare economy of the North East, has secured £200,000 funding to help scientists in the region pioneer a revolutionary new technology that could lead to exciting new healthcare applications.

‘Creative Gene Technology’ (CGT), a spin out company from Durham University, was founded in 2000 by Professors Toni Slabas and Keith Lindsey of the School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences. CGT is the culmination of over a decade of the professors’ internationally recognised research in plant biochemistry, molecular biology and developmental genetics. CGT is using the powerful technologies of ‘proteomics’ and new techniques in plant genomics to develop solutions for the biomedical and agricultural markets. The company aims to achieve improved crop yields for farmers worldwide by using their plant cell technology to encourage resistance to pests and disease, without the need for toxic chemicals. Dr Ian Robson, business development director at CELS explains how CGT’s technology also has significant potential for the healthcare industry: “CGT’s research has many potential applications. For example, the technology can be used to increase yields and improve the quality of oils coming from plants, meaning that more and better oils could be produced for a variety of uses including applications in the cosmetics and healthcare industries and even in the production of bio-diesel. CGT’s technology can also be used to improve yields of certain proteins in plant cells which again could have key benefits for the healthcare industry.” Professor Keith Lindsey of Durham University, and scientific director at CGT said: “Today’s announcement will enable us to undertake vital research and develop our technology one step closer to becoming a reality in the marketplace. “We want to grow our business into different areas. The healthcare sector is a great example of how and where CGT’s technology could be exploited to its full potential. With the support of CELS, we hope this is an area we will break into soon.” CGT’s funding success illustrates how effectively companies in the region are working together. Durham-based life sciences consultancy ‘Ithaka Life Sciences’, has also been closely involved in the project, with Dr Paul Rodgers of Ithaka acting as CEO of CGT for the past two years and playing an integral role in securing the deal with CELS. Professor Sir Kenneth Calman is the Vice Chancellor of Durham University and a director of CELS. Sir Kenneth said: “This is an excellent example of how organisations in our region can collaborate to benefit our region’s research base and the regional economy too. We are working on a number of scientific collaborations and other announcements will be made in due course.” Over the next few years, CGT aims to build a business with an expanding intellectual property portfolio and with the help of organisations like CELS and Ithaka, attract further direct investment from VC companies and multinational corporations.