Accelerator PipelineNews from wArf’s TechNology commerciAlizATioN TeAm

fAll 2011wiscoNsiN AlumNi reseArch fouNdATioN

The WARF Accelerator Program had a productive spring and summer. From the annual all-hands meeting in May, we funded seven new projects out of the 12 proposals that were reviewed. These are summarized in the table at the end of this issue of

the Accelerator Pipeline and you will see more about them in coming editions.

We are delighted to announce the launch of our new Web pages for the Accelerator Program. For more, please see: www.warfaccelerator.org

The WiRover project in our Computer and Information Technology market focus area was selected as the grand prize winner in this year’s Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Competition. This exciting project, which is designed to enable seamless, continuous network connectivity across multiple wireless modalities (such as WiFi, 3G/4G and satellite systems), rose to the top of a very challenging competition that began with more than 200 entries. We would like to think of this as one early leading indicator of Accelerator Program success and send our warm congratulations to Suman Banerjee of computer sciences and his team on this impressive accomplishment!

Our newest (and fourth) market focus area, Clean Technology, will hold its first meeting here in Madison on October 13. With startup leadership from WARF’s Jennifer Gottwald, the group has assembled a tremendous charter group of Catalysts with strong representation from both industry and venture capital. In our next issue of Accelerator Pipeline, we will introduce you to the team and summarize the results of Clean Tech’s October meeting.

Last and by no means least, Richard Schifreen has joined WARF as Accelerator Program manager to provide full-time leadership to this key component of WARF’s technology commercialization efforts. Rich is off to a great start and brings an outstanding background to the program. He has significant

The WARF Accelerator Program works to speed the advancement of technologies that hold exceptional promise for commercial suc-cess yet must achieve technical milestones or undergo additional testing before making a transition to the marketplace.

While most funding for basic discovery is provided by the federal government, financial support to validate the commercial utility of a discovery is usually outside the scope of public money and beyond the reach of most academic inventors. The WARF Accelerator Program bridges this gap with funding and the commitment of seasoned business mentors known as Catalysts.

Following are key developments in the four-year, $4.8 million Accelerator Program’s initial focus areas.

medicAl devices• Wound dressing for improved heal-

ing — Developed by Weiyuan “John” Kao, a University of Wisconsin–Madison biomedical engineering, pharmacy and surgery professor, the wound dressing pro-vides 3-D structure to support new tissue growth and allows for delivery of drugs to minimize pain. The components for manufacturing and packaging the wound dressing have been sourced and received. The application of the new wound heal-ing technology has been optimized for easy integration into clinical settings to encourage use by health care profession-als. Currently, documentation related to the clinical protocol for a first-in-human study is being processed by key regulatory agencies. As an integral part of that pro-cess, all of the verification tests to validate product safety also are being conducted. It is anticipated that the clinical study will be completed by the end of 2011.

• Next generation sample preparation — David Beebe, a UW–Madison biomedi-cal engineering professor, has successfully demonstrated the performance of a new tool and method for reducing the prepara-tion time of nucleic acid samples. Called IFAST, the technology reduces the process-ing time from 30 minutes to 10 seconds and provides equal or improved perfor-mance when compared with conventional techniques. In many research laboratory settings, where an estimated 15 percent of the workload involves sample prepara-tion, the IFAST system would produce tremendous savings. Beebe is continuing to make design improvements and has expanded his network of collaborators and product testers on campus to gather additional feedback. The collaborators in life sciences labs are isolating a variety of nucleic acids, proteins and cells and in a number of cases are now using the IFAST platform in the course of ongoing research. To date, approximately 200 IFAST devices have been distributed. The feedback from collaborators will be used to make the device more robust and user-friendly as well as help expand the potential uses of the device.

BioPhArmAceuTicAls• Small molecule inhibitors of prolac-

tin receptor signaling — The prolactin receptor appears to be a promising anti-breast cancer target. Two classes of com-pounds are known to block downstream signaling of the proliferative effect of the prolactin receptor on cancer cells, but the exact biologic mechanisms involved in the signaling pathway are not fully understood. The Accelerator Program provided funding to the lab of Dr. Linda Schuler, of the UW–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, to better understand

BuildiNg momeNTumTechnology MoniTorHealing wounds, halting cancer: WARF’s Accelerator Program speeds benefits from lab to market

continued on page 3 > continued on page 4 >

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Accelerator Chronicle

More than half of all chronic conditions in adults over age 50 are related to bone and joint diseases.

As a result, joint replacement surgeries are on the rise — last year about 200,000 hip replacement and 300,000 knee replacement surgeries were performed. Unfortunately, these procedures may result in bone-implant connections that don’t heal properly, ulti-mately leading to implant failure and revision surgery. This of course creates additional stress and pain for patients while driving up the cost of health care by billions of dollars.

Surgeons may soon be able to reverse these negative outcomes through use of a new modular peptide growth factor, a bone building mixture featuring short threads of amino acids that can bind to implants and locally stimulate new bone growth. Animal studies show the unique, biologically active molecule in the formula improves bonding between orthopedic implants and bone and actually accelerates healing at the repair site, thereby reducing the serious side effects that often result in implant failure.

Researchers led by William L. Murphy, associate professor of biomedical engineer-ing and orthopedics and associate director of the University of Wisconsin Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, inserted two key components into the modular peptide structure: a biologically active growth factor for stimulating bone growth and a binding factor for strengthening the bond between the peptide molecule and the hydroxyapatite coatings on the implants.

Murphy was surprised by how quickly and strongly the modular peptide molecules attached to implants and bone tissue and stimulated new bone formation.

“The level of control that an orthopedic surgeon will have when using these biologi-cally active molecules will be important,” says Murphy. “For example, the peptides can ‘activate’ a variety of implants, ranging from natural bone grafts to metal hip prosthetics.

They can also be applied in the operating room by simply ‘dip-coating’ or ‘painting’ the surface of an implant with a peptide solution.”

Future applications for these unique biomaterials include implant surgeries, bone grafts, bone regeneration, spinal fusion, dental augmentation and non-union fracture healing.

“We will continue to work on demon-strating how these molecules can target, accelerate and improve implant-bone healing in scenarios that are especially challenging,” adds Murphy. “One particular focus will be on showing that these molecules are effec-tive in helping particular bone defects that are known for not healing well. Examples include large bone defects that result from trauma, or fibrous tissue gaps that are similar to the aseptic loosening that can happen with total joint implants.”

New bone building formula paints brighter picture for surgical implant patients

William l. Murphy and postdoctoral researcher Jae-Sung lee have spent several years working on the modular peptide growth factor, which helps new bone tissue form around surgical implants.

This peptide puff is powerful enough to help heal 50 patients when mixed into a watery solution. The solution can be painted onto surgical implants such as knee or hip replacements, or used as a dip. The unique, biologically active molecule in the formula stimulates bone growth.

This small bone screw can be dipped into the peptide solution before surgery to speed healing.

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mechanisms that interfere with select pathways in the downstream signaling cascade. Working in collaboration with scientists from Invitrogen, part of Life Technologies Corp., and the University of Wisconsin Small Molecule Screening & Medicinal Chemistry Facility, the inven-tors have conducted a series of screens that appear to confirm the specific down-stream pathway. The investigators are continuing efforts to confirm and validate the target.

• Vitamin D analogs for bone growth and repair — An initial grant from the Accelerator Program to the lab of Hector DeLuca, an emeritus faculty member with appointments in the School of Medicine and Public Health and the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, was used to develop an anabolic bone assay system that has identified a series of compounds with desirable properties related to growth and mineralization of bone. A phase II grant is now being used to develop a robust series of lead drug development candidates for testing of bone mineral density, strength and com-position in rat models.

comPuTer ANd iNformATioN TechNology

• PLUG — Karthikeyan “Karu” Sankaralingam, an assistant professor in computer sciences, has developed a chip for high-end network routers that helps speed the way in which data, after being broken into packets or bursts of information for transmission, is compiled or reassembled after broadcast. The technology employs smart software and flexible architecture to replace multiple special purpose components used in conventional systems. The compiler is now almost complete and benchmark applications have been successfully processed through the complete tool chain. Specification of the chip and initial feasibility and performance studies are complete. Sankaralingam has given a number of presentations on the PLUG project and is exploring the possibility of forming a startup company.

• SmartRE — The technology includes network-wide architecture and algorithm improvements to minimize redundant content in a network. The result is to

enable more efficient operation of net-work infrastructure. After completing the hardware implementation, Srinivasa “Aditya” Akella, an assistant professor of computer sciences, is now nearing completion of a working prototype. Akella’s team also has built a prototype of SmartRE on a high-end PC machine that could be integrated with servers in a cloud or data center. An additional enhancement to the technology over-comes the need for a central controller to determine caching responsibilities.

oTher• Mass spectrometry — Robert Blick,

an electrical and computer engineer-ing professor, has developed a new mass spectrometry detector that enables more accurate analysis of proteins and peptides. Funding from the Accelerator Program has allowed Blick to collaborate with local companies to test his equip-ment and demonstrate the new levels of detection this device provides. Blick also is collaborating with scientists at the Morgridge Institute for Research on instrumentation and application projects.

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The Leading Edge

UW–Madison’s rich tradition of interdisci-plinary research has produced a large number of leading edge discoveries that fall into a cat-egory best described as “Clean Technology.”

Many of these inventions integrate engineering expertise with research insights from fields such as agriculture, biology and chemistry to produce technologies with tremendous potential to benefit society and produce licensing revenue. The inventions bridge traditional disciplines and include new forms and methods of producing biofuels; renewable chemicals; solar energy systems; and products for energy storage and distribution, to name a few.

One challenge for these nascent technolo-gies involves proving that they can function not only on a laboratory benchtop, but on a scale that makes it possible for industry to conduct pilot projects and assess commercial

viability. In addition, many of the technolo-gies require further process engineering to move them from the realm of technological feasibility to potential profitability.

Jennifer Gottwald, manager of the Clean Technology category, said funding from the WARF Accelerator Program will help selected technologies progress towards these impor-tant benchmarks that produce the measurable results necessary to stimulate licensing inter-est. An inaugural meeting of the Catalysts participating in the Clean Technology area will be held October 13 and will feature presentations from inventors responsible for several of the leading projects in the category.

“There are many exciting innovations in fields ranging from bioenergy to energy storage and transmission,” Gottwald said. “Through the presentations, the Catalysts will be able to assess the commercial viability

of these exciting technologies and identify the ones most likely to benefit from participa-tion in the Accelerator Program. All of these technologies hold tremendous potential for society and a number of them may serve as the basis for entirely new industries.”

“It’s certainly an exciting time in the Clean Technology category, with so many of these technologies approaching the point where they can be successfully transferred from university labs to the private sector,” Gottwald said.

The October meeting of the Catalysts in the Clean Technology category also will highlight ongoing collaborations with campus organizations including the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center; Wisconsin Bioenergy Initiative; Engine Research Center; Nelson Institute Center for Sustainability; and Office of Corporate Relations.

Clean Technology inventions to join Accelerator Program

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The wArf Accelerator Pipeline is published by WArF communications, 614 Walnut Street, 13th Floor, Madison, Wisconsin, 53726.

For more information about available WArF technologies, please contact the technology commercialization team at licensing@warf.org.www.warf.org

In the PipelineThe Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation supports a pipeline of promising projects in an effort to accelerate the public benefits of technologies developed in university laboratories. The following list highlights new Accelerator Program projects in biopharmaceuticals, computer-related sciences and other fields. For a complete list of Accelerator Program projects, visit www.warfaccelerator.org.

ProjecT NAme iNveNTor(s) ProducTBiopharmaceuticals

noninvasive prognosis and diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy

Melanie Dart This new blood test is being developed to detect signs of kidney damage and other complications related to the early onset of diabetes and chronic kidney disease. if successful, the test will help physicians more effectively manage patient care and resource use. Additionally, the test is expected to reduce the risk and cost associated with drug development by enabling better identification and enrollment of patients suitable for clinical studies.

osteo-anabolic vitamin D analogs

hector Deluca There is a renewed commercial interest in vitamin D analogs to treat osteoporosis in light of recent reports linking long-term use of commonly used osteoporosis medications with increased incidence of fractures. Under a phase i Accelerator Program grant, the Deluca laboratory devised a new research test that identified several vitamin D analogs with significant bone building properties. The new grant will support the second phase of the project, which will encompass final in vitro testing, synthesis of study compounds and animal studies to confirm biologic properties.

Anti-cancer properties of resveratrol

Art Polans and lalita Subramanian

This project involves commercial development of an intravenous formulation of resveratrol for use in treating pediatric neuroblastoma and breast cancer. resveratrol is a natural product shown to be safe when administered orally to humans and also effective in reducing tumor size when injected directly into cancerous tumors in animal models. The grant from the Accelerator Program will be used to demonstrate that an intravenous formulation can be effective in a mouse tumor model.

commercialization of semiconducting graphene (phase i)

Mike Arnold and Padma gopalan

This project seeks to develop a commercially viable method of using graphene as a replacement for silicon and other materials currently used in semiconductors. graphene, a thin layer of bonded carbon atoms, offers significant potential advantages over conventional semiconductor materials, including increased electron mobility and switching speed. This is phase i of four.

high-efficiency semiconductor lasers (phase i)

Dan Botez and luke Mawst

This project involves development of a new generation of quantum cascade lasers with greater output, increased efficiency, improved heat dissipation, higher reliability and longer operating lifetimes than conventional quantum cascade lasers. Potential applications would include laser marking of plastics, mid-infrared absorption spectroscopy, atmospheric signal transmission, chemical detection and directed infrared countermeasures. This is phase i of two.

Fast, meshless simulation through dual representations

Krishnan Suresh The project involves development of smart and efficient simulation software for analyzing thin components, with applications ranging from mechanical chassis to orthopedic surgical implants. The software provides rapid feedback to design engineers without the hassle of laborious finite element analysis and can be interfaced with numerous cAD packages including SolidWorks and google Sketchup.

noninvasive quantification of liver iron overload with Mri for diagnosis and treatment monitoring

Scott reeder This method allows for accurate, noninvasive detection and quantification of iron overload of the liver using conventional Mri technology. Accurate measurement of body iron stores is important and a quantitative biomarker is necessary to detect and diagnose iron overload. The biomarker also permits quantitative staging of the severity of iron overload to identify individuals at risk of iron-induced organ damage.

wArf AccelerATor ProgrAm ProjecTs

computer and information Technology

medical devices

BUilDing MoMenTUM …continued from page 1

business and technical experience in biotech and medical diagnostics industries, including launching new companies and new products.

Rich’s professional experience includes roles at large and small companies alike, from

DuPont Co. to Promega, Life Technologies Corp., Mirus Bio and Platypus Technologies. He holds a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry and a B.S. in chemistry. He is a co-founder and adjunct professor in UW–Madison’s Master of Science in Biotechnology Program.

Please join me in welcoming Rich Schifreen to the growing WARF Accelerator Program — I am sure you will enjoy getting to know and working with Rich as much as we do. As always, we welcome your comments and feedback. – Leigh Cagan, lcagan@warf.org