Stanford University enters licence agreement for EGF technology
Stanford University has entered into a licensing agreement with Madenco Biosciences to develop and commercialise patented epidermal growth factor (EGF) wound healing technology.
The agreement was signed in return for an undisclosed upfront payment and milestone fees to Madenco—a subsidiary of Canada-based Quest PharmaTech.
Jennifer Chochran, an associate professor of bioengineering at Stanford University, invented the technology, which is jointly owned by Stanford University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
It is claimed the newly engineered molecules, which are protected under two US patents, have 30 times more receptor-binding affinity than natural EGFs. In addition to containing wound healing properties, the innovation can be used in cosmetics.
“We are excited for this opportunity to develop the wound healing technology,” explained Madi Madiyalakan, CEO of Madenco and Quest.
“Natural EGF molecules used for wound healing only remain in the wound site for a few minutes before they are dispersed. The new engineered EGF molecules with higher receptor binding affinity can prolong the residence time remarkably and enhance the biological effect.”
Madenco focuses on developing products using proprietary transdermal delivery technology in the consumer and dermatology markets. Its first commercial cosmetic product is called Bellus Skin, an anti-aging serum designed for people over the age of 25.
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