NIHRDataInsights/HRCSData huggingface dataset:
Title: Discovery of New Commercially Valuable Antibiotics to Treat Bacterial Infection
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: Discuva’s technology provides a powerful platform to discover new classes of antibiotics which have major advantages over conventional antibiotics; reduced development of resistance, fewer side effects and longer market life. Small molecule antibiotics are first identified by high-throughput phenotypic screening of specialised compound collections. The robust proprietary platform technology is then used to identify the molecular target(s) and all genes associated with the development of resistance. The platform, which represents a major leap forward in antibiotics research, ensures that the antibiotics pursued into optimisation are those which have the best chance of reaching the clinic. Discuva has established its platform, identified initial hits against major Gram -ve pathogens and initiated discussions with Pharma. The objective is to progress compounds to lead status creating commercially attractive candidates ready for optimisation and development.


Research activity codes: 5.1 PHARMACEUTICALS
Health categories: INFECTION
Title: Addressing MDR Gram-negative bacterial infections by enhanced antibiotic uptake
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: Approximately 9% of people in UK acute care hospitals contract infection within the hospital and in approximately 3% of these patients the infection will either directly cause or be a contributing factor to death. Many of the bacteria causing infection are resistant to several of the major classes of antibiotic available for therapy. One particular class of bacteria, MDR Gram-negatives, has developed resistance to the stage that there are few if any viable options for treatment. New antibiotics for this class are urgently needed. The technical barrier to treatment of this class of bacteria is an outer membrane across which many antibiotics cannot cross and behind this a compartment full of enzymes which degrade antibiotics and pumps which pump them back out of the cell. This project explores new technologies for promoting the uptake of antibiotics across this membrane in order to enhance efficacy.


Research activity codes: 5.1 PHARMACEUTICALS
Health categories: INFECTION
Title: Development of a Universal Meningococcal Vaccine
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: Vaccine immunisation programmes have proven successful against some of the world’s most deadly diseases, eradicating smallpox and on the edge of eradicating Polio. Unfortunately, vaccines are not available to protect against many existing infections and new vaccine approaches are required to stop evolving and emerging diseases. For example, while vaccines protect against some strains of bacteria that cause meningitis, group B meningococcal disease has proved difficult to combat. The Meningitis Research Foundation estimates that there are around 3,300 cases of bacterial meningitis and associated septicaemia every year in the UK and Ireland. No protective vaccine is available against the major B group strains in the UK and infection can often be fatal or lead to significant brain damage and/or limb amputation. This project will develop a new approach to produce a universal vaccine “MenBioVax” effective against all invasive meningococcal disease.


Research activity codes: 3.4 VACCINES
Health categories: INFECTION
Title: VIRASENS 2 - Pilot manufacture product for rapid detection of respiratory viruses
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: OJ-Bio is a leader in the development of rapid wireless diagnostic devices. The devices based upon surface acoustic wave technology, utilise technology from the consumer electronics industry combined with cutting edge biotechnology. This project is aimed at the need for accurate, rapid, simple, low-cost, point-of-care (POC) tests for infectious disease. Tests offering speed in identifying and treating flu strains is vital, since antiviral drugs are effective only within a 48- to 72-hour window of the onset of symptoms The gold standard test is polymerase chain reaction (PCR), but it can’t be done at the patient bedside; the sample has to be sent to a lab, which may mean a significant delay in getting a diagnosis. This project will enable the manufacture, and marketing of a new rapid test approach and maintain OJ-Bio’s lead in the mHealth revolution.


Research activity codes: 4.1 DISCOVERY AND PRECLINICAL TESTING OF MARKERS AND TECHNOLOGIES
Health categories: INFECTION
Title: Phage lysin biosensor detection of MRSA: point of care prototype: PROMPT-Plus
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: MRSA is widely recognised as one of the so called 'superbugs' as it is responsible for many incidents of healthcare related infections and it is also resistant to many of the common antibiotics available. It is therefore very important to be able to rapidly detect and measure MRSA, especially when people are admitted to hospital through the accident & emergency route, so as to avoid any chance of infection. The PROMPT feasibility project funded in 2011-2012 by the TSB successfully demonstrated a new type of biosensor based system could specifically detect MRSA under field conditions. This success has led to the PROMPT-Plus project that aims to further develop the biosensor system to fully operational point-of-care prototypes that will be tested in NHS trust laboratories. The concept for the biosensor system was conceived by ELISHA Systems Ltd with support from the Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA) and will be commercialised in the future by British Biocell International Ltd (BBI)


Research activity codes: 4.1 DISCOVERY AND PRECLINICAL TESTING OF MARKERS AND TECHNOLOGIES
Health categories: INFECTION
Title: Pre-Clinical Development of a Novel Therapeutic Vaccine for Chronic Hepatitis B
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: In Europe there are an estimated 14 million citizens living with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, nearly a quarter of those will die of liver failure or liver cancer as a direct result of the viral infection, accounting for >36,000 deaths per annum. As a consequence HBV is a significant burden to healthcare systems across Europe through the direct costs of treatment, as well as indirect costs linked to lost productivity and premature death. Immune Targeting Systems (ITS) is developing a novel fluoropeptide vaccine immunotherapy (Hepsyn-B), based on its proprietary Depovaccine and Densigen technologies, to induce immune control over the disease, increase likelihood of the clearance of infected liver cells and reducing the need for prolonged costly drug therapy. This project provides the opportunity to expedite the pre-clinical development of Hepsyn-B and demonstrate vaccine safety, efficacy and manufacturability in preparation for human clinical trials.


Research activity codes: 5.1 PHARMACEUTICALS
Health categories: INFECTION
Title: 'MilkED': Development of a point of need diagnostic test for infectious disease in milk in dairies
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: The 'MilkED' project is aimed at developing a device to rapidly detect pathogens in milk, within the milk parlour or milk tank. It is focused on Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), a pathogen infecting cattle and other ruminants, causing chronic diarrhoea, emaciation, and often leading to death. In addition to detrimental effects on the health of herds, leading to significant decrease in milk production, it is present in milk and resists pasteurisation, and may survive to be present in milk at the point of sale. Currently the detection process is lengthy and expensive and performed in a central laboratory.To prevent MAP entering the food chain and reduce the transmission of the infection within the animal population, we will develop a new device to test milk directly in the farm. The "MilkED" industrial research programme is business led by a manufacturing company (Epigem), working in partnership with a medical diagnostics company (MV Diagnostics), in collaboration with a world leading University (Glasgow) in the field of advanced diagnostics. The consortium will build upon two technical innovations to develop of an easy-to-use rapid diagnostic device: (i) we will use sound waves, similar to the ones used for ultrasound imaging, to actuate liquids and process a small volume of milk (


Research activity codes: 4.1 DISCOVERY AND PRECLINICAL TESTING OF MARKERS AND TECHNOLOGIES
Health categories: INFECTION
Title: Single tube Point-Of-Care multi-drug resistant tuberculosis test
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: Enigma Diagnostics Ltd and its partners will develop a point of care test for multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (TB) that will run on the Enigma® Mini-Lab instrument and will be suitable for use outside traditional laboratories. For example, it could be used in clinics and surgeries, in both high and low per capita income countries. The test will use novel methods to process samples from patients with a newly invented system for detecting the bacteria that causes TB and detecting resistance to the drugs that are used to treat TB. It will be faster and more sensitive than tests used today and can distinguish the TB that affects people from those infecting other mammals (e.g. bovine TB). It will be safer than other methods as all the special chemistry takes place in a single closed tube.


Research activity codes: 4.1 DISCOVERY AND PRECLINICAL TESTING OF MARKERS AND TECHNOLOGIES
Health categories: INFECTION
Title: Research to create point-of-care TB diagnostic prototype from ProteinLogic unique TB biomarker signature and Microtest novel rapid diagnostic platform [MicroLogic].
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: Tuberculosis (TB) is responsible for over four million deaths each year. Globally there were an estimated 8.9 million new cases during 2011 and it is also a concern in the UK where there are approximately nine thousand new cases each year. Early detection and treatment is important to prevent the disease from spreading. Current diagnostic tests either lack accuracy or are not affordable or accessible to most TB patients. Delayed diagnosis is associated with reduced rates of cure. Of particular concern is our inability to diagnosis extra-pulmonary disease and TB in children or to differentiate latent infection from active TB disease. The aim of this project is to develop an in vitro diagnostic device that would for the first time offer rapid diagnosis of all forms of active TB disease from a single, easy to collect sample (blood). Previous research by the applicants has revealed characteristic soluble proteins present in the blood of TB patients and we will combine a panel of these markers on a single detection device. A small consortium has been created where scientists with expertise on TB biomarkers shall work with technologists who have designed and built a platform for detection of multiple markers in blood. Additional 'known' markers reported in the scientific literature may also be used to maximise sensitivity and specificity. The device will be optimised and evaluated using samples from South Africa and India. A prospective study will be undertaken in Cape Town to validate the device in situ. The primary output will be the final research prototype of the MicroLogic point-of-care test for active tuberculosis disease. We will formulate full technical and commercial plans to exploit the results of the project.


Research activity codes: 4.1 DISCOVERY AND PRECLINICAL TESTING OF MARKERS AND TECHNOLOGIES
Health categories: INFECTION
Title: Q-TB: Rapid, cheap POC diagnostic and drug susceptibility testing for human tuberculosis
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: The Q-TB project addresses some fundermental issues in the fight against tuberculosis. Firstly (SPEED & QUALITY) the project will deliver a technology that will enable patients to receive referral standard molecular diagnostic results within minutes, as they wait with their treating physician. Secondly (PORTABLE), if the patient is in a rural loctation, such as a township in South Africa, or in a mountain location in Peru, or in a remote part of Asia with no electricity, laboratory, clinic, or hospital nearnby, the size of the device (approximately the size of a 80's 'brick' mobile phone) and battery operation will enable even a technican or health worker (EASE OF USE) to perform a complex diagnosis. Thirdly (DRUG RESISTANCE), the device can test for many different things at once and this project will develop tests for both diagnosis of tuberculosis and test which drugs will work best to treat the disease. This complex testing system benefits from QuantuMDx's novel and hi-tech nanotechnologies that can perform complex tests in 10-15 minutes, when normally they hours to days, the expertise of Microsens in processing complex samples such as sputum, and the in depth tuberculosis knowlegde and testing experience of St Georges' Hospital, London, WHO TB group at Stellenbosch Univeristy, South Africa and several charities and NGOs throughout the world.


Research activity codes: 4.1 DISCOVERY AND PRECLINICAL TESTING OF MARKERS AND TECHNOLOGIES;5.1 PHARMACEUTICALS
Health categories: INFECTION
Title: "MIMIC" - Multifunctional Integrated Microsystem for rapid point-of-care TB IdentifiCation
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: One third of the world’s population is infected with TB and there are nine million new cases of active TB every year. While delays in diagnosing the disease result in a potential infection spreading, the diagnosis of TB on clinical grounds alone is difficult as patients often have only non-specific symptoms Current diagnostic tests are facing major limitations, as they require samples to be sent to medical testing facilities and may take a further two days to perform, extending the time during which a patient is unsure and potentially infectious. This project aims at developing a ‘point-of-care’ system to diagnose TB, based on a blood sample from a finger-prick in a matter of minutes. It assembles a business-led consortium with a wide range of expertise, from clinical TB experts, closely involved with patients in three different universities across the UK, to engineering and biology. The system comprises a low-cost disposable cartridge containing the sample and all the reagents required, interfaced with a reader that provides power, actuation and sensing. The manipulation of the drop of blood on the disposable cartridge is based on a patented innovation from the University of Glasgow, using the mechanical energy carried by sound waves to actuate liquids. The test is centered on a diagnostic chip using biomarkers, designed by MV diagnostics and created by Epigem Ltd that specifically detects the response of the human body to the tuberculosis pathogen. The large number of different (and proprietary) biomarkers has the potential to provide unprecedented sensitivity and specificity, within minutes, where current tests require hours or even days.


Research activity codes: 4.1 DISCOVERY AND PRECLINICAL TESTING OF MARKERS AND TECHNOLOGIES
Health categories: INFECTION
Title: Staphylococcus aureus Infections - Development of A Novel, Effective Vaccine
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: S. aureus is a bacterium that colonises the nasal lining and skin of >30% of people. Accidents, surgery or device implantation that breach natural barriers, allow invasion, which may result in life-threatening infections such as pneumonia and blood-borne infections particularly by the antibiotic resistant form (MRSA). Despite several attempts S. aureus no vaccine is yet available. All vaccine clinical trials have failed despite promising pre-clinical animal model data. The partners and subcontractors in this project led by Absynth Biologics Limited and the University of Sheffield are bringing together capabilities to address this problem namely: novel vaccine targets and technologies to more effectively stimulate the human immune system. This coupled with a greater understanding of the development of infection (physiological and immunological) will be used used innovatively to select the best candidate vaccine for clinical development.


Research activity codes: 3.4 VACCINES
Health categories: INFECTION
Title: Use of Ovine Polyclonal Antibodies to Treat Severe Clostridium difficile Infections
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: One of the commonest causes of hospital acquired infection is the bacterium Clostridium difficile which causes diarrhoea and other effects by releasing two powerful toxins. Such infections far outnumber those due to MRSA and the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in the USA has noted “...the incidence of deaths from C.difficile is greater than the extent of deaths from all the other intestinal diseases combined.” The present project involves a novel means of treating patients with severe C. difficile infections by injecting specific antibodies which bind to, and neutralise the toxins. The antibodies are produced by immunising sheep with miniscule amounts of inactivated toxins (similar to the vaccination of infants) and the antibodies are separated from other blood constituents, purified and filled into ampoules ready for intravenous administration as an adjunct to antibiotic therapy.


Research activity codes: 6.1 PHARMACEUTICALS
Health categories: INFECTION
Title: BUILDING A PRODUCT PIPELINE – ESTABLISHING THE COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL OF NEW PRODUCTS
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: Absynth has an innovative approach for developing antibacterial vaccines and antibodies, based on a means of identifying novel protein antigens that harness the immune system and work by a novel dual-action mechanism. The need for these products is in part due to the spread of antibiotic resistant strains. Proof of principle has been achieved with protection against Staphylococcus aureus, a pathogen that causes life-threatening infections in hospitals and the community. A central aspect of Absynth’s technology is conservation of the protein antigens across the major bacterial pathogens - the same targets found in S. aureus are present in many other bacterial species. Having completed an assessment of the broader market opportunity, funded by the TSB, Absynth now plans to perform experimental validation of vaccines targeting two other bacterial pathogens, Clostridium difficile and Streptococcus pyogenes to establish the product potential.


Research activity codes: 3.4 VACCINES
Health categories: INFECTION
Title: Low cost, broadly efficacious Pneumococcal vaccine
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: Immunisation programmes have proven successful against some of the world’s most deadly diseases but unfortunately vaccines are not available to protect against many existing infections and new vaccine approaches are required urgently to prevent evolving and emerging diseases. For example, vaccines are not available to protect against some strains of bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease (including pneumonia and meningitis). Between 5-10% of all adults and 20-40% of children are carriers and Pneumococcal disease causes more infant mortality than TB, HIV and malaria combined. Existing vaccines are very expensive and cover only a limited number of pathogenic strains. This project will develop an innovative approach for a broadly protective vaccine “PnuBioVax” effective against all disease causing S. pneumoniae strains.


Research activity codes: 3.4 VACCINES
Health categories: INFECTION
Title: Point of care exhaled breath test for the diagnosis of community acquired pneumonia
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: The rapid identification of bacterial pathogens associated with infections in community acquired pneumonia (CAP) using a simple diagnostic test is critical for effective patient care and this would reduce the financial burden of treatment and antibiotic prescriptions. Breath analysis is a non-invasive rapid process whereby small quantities of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be detected in human breath, and they can form a fingerprint that can be used for early disease detection and diagnosis. Volatile metabolites are produced by different bacteria types. This project will investigate the use of nanosensor based arrays to detect, distinguish and quantify the volatile metabolites associated with common bacterial and viral infections, which would form the basis of a breath diagnostic test for CAP. A nanosensor array will be optimized and then exposed to simulated gas mixtures which will represent a typical breath sample from a patient with bacterial or viral infections.


Research activity codes: 4.1 DISCOVERY AND PRECLINICAL TESTING OF MARKERS AND TECHNOLOGIES
Health categories: INFECTION
Title: Feasibility of applying a novel virus like particle technology to an innovative RSV vaccine .
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: This project will assess the feasibility of generating a vaccine technology platform using a novel virus- like particle (VLP) approach. Such a platform could be used to produce a range of highly effective yet safe vaccines that are rapid to respond to virus change, scalable and relatively cheap to manufacture compared to conventional killed virus vaccines. We will evaluate the feasibility of our approach in the context of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) - the primary cause of serious respiratory disease in infants and young children worldwide and increasingly recognised as a significant pathogen in elderly and other at risk populations.


Research activity codes: 3.4 VACCINES
Health categories: INFECTION
Title: A novel virus-like particle based mammalian expression system targeted at vaccine development against envelope viruses.
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: The Native Antigen Company (NAC) proposes to examine the technical feasibility of developing a novel mammalian cell expression system which would overcome the current barriers to producing suitable antigens from enveloped viruses for use as vaccine candidates. Our innovative approach would centre on the provision of pure Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) containing the antigen of interest, in high concentration, embedded natively in the lipid membrane. As a target for the feasibility project NAC will focus on a human CMV antigen. This infection represents one of the highest healthcare burdens resulting from a lack of a suitable vaccine.


Research activity codes: 3.4 VACCINES
Health categories: INFECTION
Title: Formulation of VZV to protect virus during manufacture and generate a thermo-stable vaccine to ensure market supply
Funder: Innovate UK

Abstract: Varicella Zoster virus (VZV) is the causative agent of shingles and chicken pox. The live attenuated VZV vaccine is susceptibe to degradation during its manufacture representing a significant technical formulation challenge that is limiting the broader use of the vaccine, as well as impacting on its cost. Stabilitech has a novel stabilisation platform which has the potential to protect fragile vaccines and biologics during processing and storage. We propose to undertake experimental studies with VZV to determine a novel formulation which will protect the virus during processing, providing a higher titre and more product, and enable storage of the vaccine product at ambient temperature, impacting on the whole supply chain and relieving the pressure on product supplies.


Research activity codes: 3.4 VACCINES
Health categories: INFECTION