16 February 2021
VivaZome Therapeutics Pty Ltd (“VivaZome”) and La Trobe University today announced that they have entered into a new collaborative research project focussed on developing novel exosome therapeutics.
Under the collaborative arrangement, VivaZome scientists will work alongside members of Professor Andrew Hill’s laboratory in the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS). Professor Hill is one of the world’s pre-eminent exosome researchers, and a member of the La Trobe Research Centre for Extracellular Vesicles, with its extensive suite of specialised technology and high-level expertise.
This new agreement builds on the work done by VivaZome and La Trobe as part of the successfully completed CRC-P “Enabling Exosome Therapy: Developing an Advanced Manufacturing Process”. La Trobe played a key role in the project through development of functional assays and the quantitative and qualitative assessment of exosome fractions from multiple cell types and multiple process iterations. Critically, the University’s ability to do deep analysis of miRNA content enabled VivaZome to link exosome content to biological activity and so to potential clinical application.
VivaZome‘s Chief Executive Officer, Dr David Haylock, stated “VivaZome is delighted to enter in to this new, post-CRC-P partnership with La Trobe and to extend its productive relationship with Professor Hill and his research team. As VivaZome broadens its portfolio of activity to encompass ischaemia, fibrotic diseases and neurological disorders, La Trobe’s world-class capability will provide a strong analytical platform for the development of VivaZome products.”
Professor Hill, Associate Provost of Research and Industry Engagement at La Trobe commented “It is exciting to extend our CRC-Project into a new research relationship and to use our expertise in exosome analytics and characterisations to contribute to the success of VivaZome’s development program. We look forward to working with VivaZome and their national and international collaborators.”
Dr Megan Fisher, La Trobe Pro Vice-Chancellor of Industry Engagement, said the University was committed to making a difference to industry. “We are pleased that VivaZome has based their biotechnology business within our Research and Innovation Precinct where we continue to partner with them on their ground-breaking programs. We also value the willingness of VivaZome to share their first-hand experience of commercialising biomedical research with our researchers and students.”
For further information, contact:
VivaZome Therapeutics Pty Ltd
Dr David Haylock, CEO
David.haylock@vivazome.com
Phone: +61 439 617 657
La Trobe University
Media Manager Kathryn Powley
k.powley@latrobe.edu.au
Phone +61 456 764 371
