Phase III 2022 Annual Conference

Keynote Speaker: Nicholas A Peppas, Sc.D.
Cockrell Family Regents Chair in Engineering
Director, Institute of Biomaterials, Drug Delivery and Regenerative Medicine
McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering,
Departments of Pediatrics, Surgery and Perioperative Care, Dell Medical School,
and Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX 78712, USA

Host: Helena Florindo
Head of the BioNanoSciences, Drug Delivery & Immunoengineering Research Group Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa)

Abstract: Engineering the molecular design of intelligent biomaterials by controlling structure, recognition and specificity is the first step in coordinating and duplicating complex biological and physiological processes.

Recent developments in siRNA and protein delivery have been directed towards the preparation of targeted formulations for protein delivery to specific sites, use of environmentally-responsive polymers to achieve pH- or temperature-triggered delivery, usually in modulated mode, and improvement of the behavior of their mucoadhesive behavior and cell recognition.

We address design and synthesis characteristics of novel crosslinked networks capable of protein release as well as artificial molecular structures capable of specific molecular recognition of biological molecules. Molecular imprinting and microimprinting techniques, which create stereospecific three-dimensional binding cavities based on a biological compound of interest, can lead to the preparation of biomimetic materials for intelligent drug delivery, drug targeting, and tissue engineering.

We have been successful in synthesizing novel glucose- and protein-binding molecules based on non-covalent directed interactions formed via molecular imprinting techniques within aqueous media. We have also developed structurally superior materials to serve as effective carriers for siRNA delivery to combat Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis.

With Verónica Orvalho (Didimo), Marta Catarino (University of Minho), Maria Oliveira (UPTEC, University of Porto), Pedro Bizarro (Feedzai) and Marco Bravo (UT Austin Portugal). Other discussants to be confirmed soon.

UT Austin Portugal, particularly with its University-Technology-Enterprise Network (UTEN), has generated a deep and significant economic and social impact in Portugal through training and business development activities.

From 2007 to 2012, through the development of a country-wide network of technology transfer offices and professionals, UTEN’s actions have contributed, at the university level in Portugal, to a 20% increase in patents granted per year, 26% rise in executed licenses per year, a staggering 137% of increased licensing income, and 132% more new academic spinoff companies, 37% of which exported technology to the world, growing at an average annual rate of 127% in revenue.

From 2012 to 2016, with the creation of the Global Startup Program, UTEN had an overall economic impact of $95 million, translated into venture capital captured from U.S. investors, sales, and trials. Three Portuguese companies have been spun out by direct program actions, and these ventures generated 67 qualified jobs with a $35 million wage impact in Portugal.

The total economic impact of this initiative during this period raised $130 million, meaning that UTEN’s actions returned $40 for every dollar invested by FCT in the Program.

This round table brings together national talent acknowledged internationally in their areas who have participated in some of the Program’s research, technology commercialization and entrepreneurial activities to discuss the Program’s contribution to Portugal’s current vibrant entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem.