Tag: U.K.
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Computer Game Being Designed to Combat Domestic Violence
15 January 2016. Social scientists and designers in the U.K. are developing a computer game to teach empathy and non-violence in family relationships. The game, for use in the Caribbean and the U.K., is funded by a €400,000 ($US 434,000) grant from the European Commission. The funding, from the EU’s delegation to the Eastern Caribbean…
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Biotech, Bayer Partner on Gene-Editing Treatments
21 December 2015. CRISPR Therapeutics and the drug company Bayer AG are forming a joint venture to develop gene-editing therapies for three types of genetic diseases, and later for other human and agricultural applications. The deal calls for Bayer AG, in Leverkusen, Germany, to invest at least $300 million in the joint venture and take…
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Spin-Off Developing Gene Therapies for Blood Disorders
11 December 2015. A new spin-off company from University College London in the U.K. is developing gene therapies to treat hemophilia and related diseases. The company, Freeline Therapeutics, is raising £25 million ($US 38 million) in its first venture funding round. Freeline Therapeutics is founded and commercializing research by UCL hematology professor Amit Nathwani, who…
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University Spin-Off Develops Pain Killer Patch
8 December 2015. A new company begun by a chemistry professor in the U.K. is developing a patch infused with ibuprofen for people needing relief from pain or inflammation from arthritis. Medherant Ltd., in Coventry, is developing the patch based on research at University of Warwick conducted by David Haddleton, who founded the company and…
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New Design Advances Lithium-Air Battery
30 October 2015. A research group at University of Cambridge in the U.K. unveiled a new design that meets some of the obstacles plaguing lithium-air batteries, considered a major improvement over lithium-ion batteries now used to power mobile devices, computers, and electric cars. The team from the lab of chemistry professor Clare Grey published its…
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Trial Testing Aspirin to Prevent Cancer Recurrence
22 October 2015. A new late-stage clinical trial is underway in the U.K. testing the ability of a daily aspirin to prevent the recurrence of solid tumor cancers. The trial is financed by the advocacy group Cancer Research UK and National Institute for Health Research, a medical research funding agency. The study, led by oncologist…
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NASA to Test Hand-Held DNA Sequencer in Space Station
30 September 2015. Astronauts aboard the International Space Station will take part in experiments testing the feasibility of a portable DNA sequencing device in space. The proof-of-concept test of the hand-held MinIon DNA sequencing device is a project of National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The MinIon, made by Oxford Nanopore Technologies in the U.K., is…
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Intrexon Acquires Oxitec, Partners on Genetic Disorder
10 August 2015. Intrexon Corp., a biotechnology company specializing in synthetic biology, is acquiring Oxitec Ltd., a designer of genetically modified insects to control the spread of disease-bearing and agricultural pests for $160 million. Intrexon is also partnering with Synthetic Biologics Inc. to develop therapies for phenylketonuria, a genetic metabolic disorder. Intrexon, in Gaithersburg, Maryland…
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Opioid Overdose Nasal Spray Cleared for FDA Review
29 July 2015. Indivior plc, a pharmaceutical company in the U.K. specializing in addiction therapies, received notice that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration accepted the company’s new drug application and is beginning review of Indivior’s opioid overdose treatment formulated as a nasal spray. The FDA also granted Indivior, in Slough, U.K., priority review status…
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Genetic Engineered Variety Controls Destructive Moth
16 July 2015. A genetically engineered diamondback moth that prevents females of the species from maturing is found in greenhouse tests to quickly control populations of this destructive pest. Results of the tests, led by biotechnology company Oxitec Ltd., appear today in the journal BMC Biology. The diamondback moth — Plutella xylostella — is a…