Fast-tracking innovative technologies through early proof-of-concept and feasibility stages is a key aim of Burnet Institute’s new initiative, the Quick Development of Solutions Lab (qDOS Lab).
Nurturing technologies through key early-stage development phases by adopting a market led approach is a primary focus for qDOS Lab.
This will be achieved by bringing a cross-functional team together for milestone led programs, with support from project management and expert advisers.
Ms Serina Cucuzza, Burnet’s Executive General Manager of Commercial Strategy, Intellectual Property and External Affairs will lead qDOS Lab.
“What is unique about this structure is how we are operationally managing these projects within our Business Development and Commercial Operations office rather than in a research laboratory, with decisions on the pathway to proceed primarily driven by commercial objectives aligned to what would happen within a company,” Ms Cucuzza said.
“QDOS Lab will operate similar to an incubator; but rather than the aim of building companies, we are supporting technologies at a slightly earlier stage towards a defined product concept.
“By clearly understanding our path to market from very early stages, we hope to be able to reach commercial outcomes sooner, and ultimately the patient.”
On successful completion these technologies may enter into full-scale product development and commercialisation stage through various mechanisms, potentially including other accelerator programs.
The first pilot project will target the development of a novel, point-of-care test for identifying severe infection or suspected sepsis.
The Quick determination of severe infection 64 (qDOS 64) technology comes from Burnet’s Global Health Diagnostics Laboratory, led by Professor David Anderson.
Sepsis is the severe, life-threatening inflammatory reaction to infections, which kills more than eight million people each year worldwide, including more than 3,000 Australians.
Survival rates are very low without antibiotic treatment within hours of onset, but standard tests such as blood culture take around 24 hours.
There is an urgent, unmet need for a low-cost rapid point-of-care test to support clinicians for the early diagnosis and treatment of sepsis. World Sepsis Day is on 13 September.
The development team for qDOS Lab includes Ms Mary Garcia as the technical lead, Associate Professor Rose Ffrench as the clinical lead, with a network of commercial advisors and clinical collaborators at The Alfred hospital.
Associate Professor Anderson and Professor Suzanne Crowe AM will maintain key scientific and clinical advisory roles.
