Under the leadership of Jay Schrankler, University of Minnesota’s Office for Technology Commercialization licensed 12 technologies in fiscal 2012 turning around the university’s tech transfer operation that many considered lackluster even a few years ago.
Among the 12, there are six that play in the healthcare industry or have applications in it.
Ariel Pharmaceuticals
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This Denver specialty pharmaceuticals company has licensed a technology from the University of Minnesota by which it will develop and commercialize the Tamiasyn therapy that aims to prevent death in patients who have suffered blood loss from trauma.
Ariel’s licensing this treatment gives Tamiasyn a second shot given that the technology was initially licensed to local startup VitalMedix, which went belly up in early 2010.
CIPAC Ltd.
This Australian company with U.S. subsidiaries will collaborate with University of Minnesota researchers to develop treatments that use live biological preparations to stem C. diff (Clostridium difficile) infections common in hospitals.
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Epitopoietic Research Corporation
This Belgian research and pharmaceutical development company has licensed a technology to develop a vaccine that uses the immune system to treat brain tumors
Omicron Health Systems
Minneapolis-based Omicron has licensed a technology that helps providers improve preventive care, coordination and communication among clinicians, researchers and patients. The technology also enables clinicians to monitor patient progress and improve the process of performing clinical research.
VitalSims
The University of Minnesota and HealthPartners teamed up to develop a technology being licensed by VitalSims, a Minneapolis startup, one application of which is in treating diabetes. The technology simulates an environment where patients may be observed, analyzed thereby helping in the physician decision-making process.
One application called SimCare Health offers simulation to train doctors on a variety of issues including insulin initiation and management, ordering diagnostic tests and other things.
Vytacera Pharma
This San Francisco company has licensed an antidote for the prevention and treatment of cyanide poisoning. The company will develop and market Sulfanegen, which was developed at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Drug Design.
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