[Licensing negotiation in progress]
[Invitation for Expression of Interest - Deadline: 9 July 2020]
We are inviting expressions of interest (EoI) for commercializing ““Fecal virome and therapeutic efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation” technology. The innovation is developed by Professor Ng Siew Chien, Professor of Department of Medicine & Therapeutics of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK Reference: 18/MED/809).
The Technology
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is highly effective for the treatment of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), and is increasingly being used to treat other intestinal and extra-intestinal diseases. The purpose of invention is to identify how donor and recipient vriomes impact FMT efficacy. The invention demonstrates the fecal virome as one prominent factor influencing FMT efficacy, and pinpoints the bacteriophage Caudovirales the pivotal viruses impacting FMT efficacy. Occupation of donor-derived Caudovirales taxa in recipient gut virome, in larger proportions, incites a favourable treatment outcome. When recipients are infused with donor feces consisting of a higher richness of Caudovirales than that of recipient, a positive response to FMT is also observed. Both restorations of gut virome and bacterial microbiome in FMT recipient are critical in FMT efficacy, while mere reconstitution of the gut bacterial microbiome incurs disease recurrence.
A range of therapeutic and diagnostic applications for fecal virome, particularly for Caudovirales, in FMT therapeutics and stool biobank, forms further aspects of the invention. The fecal virome may be used in screening for donor selection and recipient stratification in personalized FMT practice and for salutary stool as well as its derived products in therapeutic biobanks. In addition, supplementation of mixture of Caudovirales to donor stools, or development of capsule containing a specific proportion of Caudovirales may be promising.
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.