The projects will focus on a range of research areas, including Down’s syndrome and ALS
The Francis Crick Institute has announced six new partnerships with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with support from the Medical Research Council (MRC) focused on innovative discovery projects led by Crick researchers.
Supported by an MRC Business Engagement Fund Award, as part of UK Research and Innovation, the collaborations will focus on the application of novel cutting-edge technologies, encompassing a diverse range of research to deliver impactful outcomes.
Paul Mercer, head of collaboration, the Crick, commented: “We are… excited to be able to develop these research partnerships with SMEs, diversifying the opportunity for development of Crick discoveries through the application of disruptive innovations.”
Partners include Perha Pharmaceuticals, Scalable Minds, Broken String Biosciences, Hertility Health, Automata Technologies and Mytos.
The projects will focus on a range of research, including pharmacological treatments for congenital heart defects in Down’s syndrome, advancing research on human ovarian supporting cells and fertility, the impact of genomic instability in the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), an automated high-sensitivity genetic assay for screening CRISPR modifications and researching iPSC-derived human neurons to predict druggable pathways.
Laura Dickens, associate director, industry partnerships, MRC, said: “Enhancing and broadening engagement with industry, particularly with SMEs, is a strategic priority for the MRC.
“We look forward to seeing the development of the funded partnerships and the impact of the exciting science they can accomplish together.”
Earlier this year, in May, the Crick partnered with Broken String to advance the understanding of genomic instability in the development of ALS.
The research project aims to develop novel applications for Broken String’s INDUCE-seq, a proprietary DNA break-mapping platform.
Most recently, the MRC partnered with AstraZeneca (AZ) to provide six MRC clinical fellows with industry placement opportunities for clinical research, as part of AZ’s BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development business, to provide long-term benefits to the UK’s clinical trials and research landscape while supporting the development of new medicines.
