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Marking a significant bench to bedside research milestone in Singapore, the
Institute of Bioengineering
and Nanotechnology (IBN), the world's first bioengineering and nanotechnology
research institute, and the National University Hospital (NUH) are pleased to
launch IBN iCare and the NUH Eye Centre at Biopolis at an official opening ceremony
officiated by the Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Education,
Mr S. Iswaran, at the Biopolis today.
Collaborations between researchers and clinicians are critical to speed up
the translation of basic scientific discoveries into clinical applications,
and develop new medical products and treatments. IBN iCare is the first research
laboratory in Singapore to focus on the development of cutting-edge nanomaterials
for ocular therapy. The NUH Eye Centre @ Biopolis will provide a clinical research
environment that facilitates the development of new materials and techniques
for ophthalmology practice. IBN's nanostructured ocular materials will
undergo clinical trials at the NUH Eye Centre prior to commercial applications.
Since 2003, IBN has been revolutionizing medical treatment with sophisticated
biomaterials and systems for delivering therapeutics to diseased cells and organs.
This key research thrust at IBN has led to the synthesis of a novel drug-loaded
contact lens that can deliver medication more effectively than eye drops for
the treatment of eye diseases such as glaucoma. The latest ocular research invention
created by IBN is the world's first photochromic contact lens that will
darken upon exposure to sunlight to protect the eyes against harmful ultraviolet
radiation and glare. The lenses will conveniently adapt to changes in light
and provide optimal indoor and outdoor vision.
“IBN's mission is to conduct strategic research that addresses important
biomedical problems through novel technology platforms that present major commercial
potential. The launch of IBN iCare and our collaboration with NUH symbolize
our commitment towards establishing Singapore as an international, world class
biomedical hub. By bridging the gap from bench to bedside, we are well positioned
to facilitate the commercialization of our research innovations,” said
Professor Jackie Y. Ying, IBN Founding Executive Director.
Recognizing the commercial potential of IBN's ocular biomaterials, Exploit
Technologies Pte Ltd (ETPL), the strategic marketing and commercialization arm
of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), provided a S$5
million Flagship Fund to set up IBN iCare. IBN iCare will accelerate the translation
of strategic research in vision care to viable medical products and treatments.
Its mission is to incubate start-up companies in vision care, and attract more
global partners to Singapore to create a major commercial impact on myopia and
vision impairment treatment.
Mr Boon Swan Foo, Executive Chairman of Exploit Technologies, said, “Exploit
Technologies is pleased to have partnered IBN and NUH in building this tripartite
commercialisation effort. The bringing together of clinicians with scientists
and commercial people to this juncture is due to the unrelenting effort of the
key players, including Dr Muhammad Tani, Prof Jackie Ying and A/P Paul Chew
who have worked hard to overcome obstacles along the way. Our team started to
work on the project since 2005; it was a time when the market was not ready
for adoption of the drug eluting nanoporous contact lens technology. We ploughed
the market, evolved our marketing strategies, and essentially created a market
when there was none. Through our efforts, the technology was licensed to a MNC
in 2006, with a contract value of more than S$100 million. To further exploit
the technology's commercial potential, we held discussions with clinicians
and industry players to find out other potential applications; and the idea
of the NUH Eye Centre was born in 2007. To ensure the success of this meaningful
project, Exploit Technologies launched a Flagship project, coupled with an S$5
million funding, to help set up IBN iCare and NUH Eye Centre @ Biopolis.
“Today, we see the fruits of our labour. I am delighted that big players
like SAF and Carl Zeiss are partnering us in the effort to take R&D from
the lab to market. Additionally, two Singapore-based companies have already
expressed interest to license IBN's photochromic contact lens. I am encouraged
that diverse teams with proper leadership and good technologies can lead to
a successful start of a great future ahead.”
In addition to research, the NUH Eye Centre @ Biopolis will also provide a wide
range of eye care services, LASIK and refractive surgery for patients. The patient-centric
centre is designed with the patient's interest and safety in mind. For
example, to improve the patient's experience, the configuration of the
centre optimises the patient flow by guiding them through the various eye-check
stations. The LASIK operating suite also complies with stringent guidelines
to enhance patients' safety. Another interesting feature is the see-through
glass that allows the patients' family members to observe the LASIK procedure.
Innovative treatment of vision correction using IBN's biomaterials will also
be widely offered through the NUH Eye Centre @ Biopolis.
Mr Joe Sim, NUH Chief Executive Officer said, “Having one of our eye facilities
located in the Biopolis means we are right within the research hub. This will
facilitate greater opportunities for research collaboration which is aligned
with our focus as an academic medical centre. Our partnership with IBN will
allow us to work closely with researchers on projects that will potentially
translate to better care to benefit our patients and Singaporeans.”
The close proximity of the eye clinic to IBN iCare at the Biopolis will strengthen
the partnership between NUHS ophthalmologists and IBN researchers to better
meet the healthcare needs of the patients. Besides eye care, IBN scientists
can also work closely with clinicians at NUH to advance collaborations in IBN's
four research areas: Drug and Gene Delivery, Cell and Tissue Engineering, Biosensors
and Biodevices, Pharmaceuticals Synthesis and Nanobiotechnology.
The initiative by IBN iCare and NUH Eye Centre @ Biopolis will also expedite
the route to commercialization by bridging the gap from bench to industry. IBN
is working with Carl Zeiss, a global leader in the optical industries, on the
development of technologies and treatments associated with IBN's innovative
ocular biomaterials. The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Medical Corps is also
partnering with IBN and NUH in research and training for vision correction technology
to address the problems of myopia and ocular trauma in SAF operations.
Posted November 3rd, 2009
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