Name of Scheme

Engineered globular endolysin, a highly potent antibacterial enzyme for multidrug resistant Gram-negative bacteria

External Deadline

Internal Deadline


[Licensing negotiation in progress]

[Invitation for Expression of Interest- Deadline 2 July 2021]

We are inviting expressions of interest (EoI) for commercializing “Engineered Globular Endolysin, a Highly Potent Antibacterial Enzyme for Multidrug Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria” technology.  The innovation is developed by Professor XIA Jiang, Department of Chemistry of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK Reference: 20/SCI/1008).


The Technology

The emerging outbreaks of multidrug resistance have posed a significant threat to human, and dwarfed the development of new antibiotics. Alternative antibacterial agents are therefore urgently needed. Antibacterial enzymes, such bacteriophage endolysins (lysins) are promising candidates to combat drug resistance. Lysins targeting Gram-positive bacteria have been commercially available, but those against Gram-negative (G-ve) bacteria do not exist in the market, because the layer of outer membrane of G-ve bacteria impedes the activity of the enzymes. We hereby report the first highly potent G-ve targeting globular lysin with a high potential for commercialization. The enzyme exhibited exceptionally high activity to multidrug resistant G-ve bacteria at different growth states, long shelf-life, high serum stability, but minimal toxicity towards mammalian cells. This innovation thereby filled in the gap of antibacterial enzymes and is projected to provide the first product of anti-G-ve enzyme in the market.

Commercialization

The technology is now available for licensing on an exclusive basis.  In order to fully realize the benefit of the technology, we expect substantial investment is necessary to enable further research and development.  In addition to the financial commitment, the licensee is expected to have the appropriate expertise as well as plans in marketing and strategizing the end product to ensure successful transfer of the technology to the society.  Previous or existing business involvement and experience in this area is a plus.

This invitation of expression of interest is without prejudice.  We also stress that this invitation is not a tender, and the University is not bound to accept any offer, or to accept the highest monetary offer, as there are additional considerations (such as the widest possible benefit to the community) that we, as a public institution, will need to take into consideration.

Name of Scheme

Engineered globular endolysin, a highly potent antibacterial enzyme for multidrug resistant Gram-negative bacteria

Description

[Licensing negotiation in progress]

[Invitation for Expression of Interest- Deadline 2 July 2021]

We are inviting expressions of interest (EoI) for commercializing “Engineered Globular Endolysin, a Highly Potent Antibacterial Enzyme for Multidrug Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria” technology.  The innovation is developed by Professor XIA Jiang, Department of Chemistry of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK Reference: 20/SCI/1008).


The Technology

The emerging outbreaks of multidrug resistance have posed a significant threat to human, and dwarfed the development of new antibiotics. Alternative antibacterial agents are therefore urgently needed. Antibacterial enzymes, such bacteriophage endolysins (lysins) are promising candidates to combat drug resistance. Lysins targeting Gram-positive bacteria have been commercially available, but those against Gram-negative (G-ve) bacteria do not exist in the market, because the layer of outer membrane of G-ve bacteria impedes the activity of the enzymes. We hereby report the first highly potent G-ve targeting globular lysin with a high potential for commercialization. The enzyme exhibited exceptionally high activity to multidrug resistant G-ve bacteria at different growth states, long shelf-life, high serum stability, but minimal toxicity towards mammalian cells. This innovation thereby filled in the gap of antibacterial enzymes and is projected to provide the first product of anti-G-ve enzyme in the market.

Commercialization

The technology is now available for licensing on an exclusive basis.  In order to fully realize the benefit of the technology, we expect substantial investment is necessary to enable further research and development.  In addition to the financial commitment, the licensee is expected to have the appropriate expertise as well as plans in marketing and strategizing the end product to ensure successful transfer of the technology to the society.  Previous or existing business involvement and experience in this area is a plus.

This invitation of expression of interest is without prejudice.  We also stress that this invitation is not a tender, and the University is not bound to accept any offer, or to accept the highest monetary offer, as there are additional considerations (such as the widest possible benefit to the community) that we, as a public institution, will need to take into consideration.

Category

Biotechnology
Therapeutics

For inquiries about licensing opportunity, contact

Fei Fei Miu

Office of Research and Knowledge Transfer Services

miufeifei@cuhk.edu.hk

Inventors

Jiang XIA
Shui Yee Sharon LEUNG
Xi CHEN
Miao LIU

Keywords

N/A