[Licensing negotiation in progress]
[Invitation for Expression of Interest- Deadline: 5 March 2021]
We are inviting expressions of interest (EoI) for commercializing “Fast Quantitative Magnetization Transfer Imaging” technology. The innovation is developed by Professor Weitian CHEN, Professor of the Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK Reference: 19/MED/914).
The Technology
Conventional MRI diagnoses and other imaging diagnosis techniques are often based on morphological changes in diseased tissue. The change of macromolecular content of tissue often is associated with the early stage of the disease. In recent years, the mechanism of magnetization transfer (MT) effect has been used to probe diseases at a molecular level and elicited increasing interest in application to detect disease at an early stage. By detecting the disease early, there are more chances to cure or reverse the disease. The imaging of tissue macromolecular environment also provides valuable diagnostic information to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment to a level beyond what the standard anatomical imaging can provide. Conventional MT techniques involves Macromolecular Proton Fraction (MPF) and R1rho (or 1/T1rho); however, MPF requires long scan time, and a relatively low accuracy; R1rho is faster, but it can be easily affected by many confounding factors. In this invention, we describe a technique that is able to quickly and reliably acquire specific MT information.
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.