Case Study - Anti-cancer Drug Development
Sector: Healthcare
Newcastle University is leading the world with research into a new class of anticancer drug, called PARP inhibitors, designed to prevent cancer cells recovering from cytotoxic therapy and to selectively target some hereditary forms of cancer.
Pharmaceutical companies worldwide are making use of a process to test the effectiveness of these PARP inhibitors developed by Professor Nicola Curtin’s research team at the renowned Northern Institute for Cancer Research.
This is a striking example of the kind of consultancy work that earns great prestige and a considerable income for the university. The money raised helps to pay for such things as research staff, materials and buying expensive and vital equipment.
A wide range of consultancy is now carried out across the Faculty of Medical Sciences and other university departments. This involves everything from product development and technology feasibility studies to student placements and research activities with industry.
The close partnership with Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has led to the setting up of a Joint Research Office. This is staffed by both university and NHS staff and facilitates collaborative research and consultancy projects.
Business Development Manager Graeme Young and his colleagues in the University’s Research and Enterprise Services team say there is enormous potential in extending consultancy activity.
It has become a crucial factor in the increasingly sharp business focus of the university. A rich source of work stems from the contacts academic staff like Professor Curtin build up with businesses.
“We have had some multi-million pound projects in parts of the university which have funded entire centres on the back of commercial work,” said Graeme. “There are dozens of projects and huge opportunities for many more.”
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