Technologies available for licensing

Leiden University and Leiden University Medical Center are seeking commercial partners for collaborative development or licensing of the following technologies.

The overview of all the technologies is available as PDF. 

Therapies / Treatments

Dysferlin Exon skipping (ref. MC216)
Scientists at Leiden University Medical Center have now identified antisense oligo-nucleotides (AONs) to skip mutations that are located in inframe exons (or exon combinations) to bypass the mutation without the disruption of the reading frame. That allows the production of a partially functional dysferlin protein. This method was chosen because, while the dysferlin protein has several functional domains, it also contains domains that are less important. As the skipping of some exons does not disrupt the open reading frame, this results in a slightly shorter but partly functional dysferlin protein.
Dysferlinopathies - Exon skipping - Antisense oligonucleotides (AONs)
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Method for detoxifying the gluten protein gliadin (ref. MC195)
Scientists from Leiden University Medical Center and Wageningen University have identified a single and identical amino acid substitution that completely eliminates the toxic properties of all three 9-amino acid sequences of alpha-gliadin, which is part of the gluten protein.
This provides an opportunity to generate modified alpha-gliadins which can aid to produce baked goods which would be safe for consumption by celiac disease patients while maintaining the industrial quality associated with gluten molecules.
Celiac Disease - Gluten - Alpha Gliadin - Gluten free foods
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Inhibition of TGF-beta/myostatin receptor signalling by AON-mediated exon skipping (ref. MC263)
Scientists at Leiden University Medical Center have developed antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) that disrupt the part encoding for ligand binding or kinase domain in ALK4 or ALK5, generating non-functional receptors, and abrogate TGF-beta/myostatin signaling.
Antisense Oligonucleotides (AON) - Exon Skipping - Acvr1b - Tgfbr1
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Application of AON mediated exon skipping in the treatment of Rheumatioid Arthritis (ref. MC210)
Scientists at Leiden University Medical Center have designed two types of AONs for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. One is able to specifically decrease the levels of C5a and the second is able to increase the levels of sIL-1RAcP.
Exon skipping – Rheumatoid Arthritis - C5 - IL-1RAcP
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New approach for AON-mediated exon skipping in neurodegenerative diseases (ref. MC238)
Researchers at Leiden University Medical Center have now developed a new approach for antisense oligonucleotide(AON)-mediated exon skipping in neurodegenerative diseases. This method allows the removal of exons causing the neurodegeneration. The AONs are readily taken up by cells in the brain and cannot cross the blood brain barrier, thus reducing greatly the chances of unwanted side-effects.
Exon skipping – Neurodegeneration therapeutics - Proteolytic cleavage
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Novel prodrug for tumor treatment with minimized side effects (ref. LU261)
Scientists at Leiden University are developing new ruthenium-based photoactivatable prodrugs, which can be converted upon visible light irradiation into species active against cancer cells. Like in photodynamic therapy, such prodrugs can be used as poorly toxic antitumor treatments capable of stopping tumour growth of inducing tumour regression when light is irradiated on the tumour, which will ultimately minimize side effects for cancer patients.
Anti-Cancer Treatment– Phototherapy
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Drug candidate for inflammatory diseases or ischemic conditions (ref. LU199)
Researchers from Leiden University have identified a new allosteric modulator for the A3 adenosine receptor that significantly enhances the efficacy and potency of its native ligand adenosine or agonists. Preclinical proof-of-concept studies support a possible therapeutic role for this compound in treating inflammatory diseases such as osteoarthritis and hepatitis, or in preventing ischemia/reperfusion injury.
Lead compound – Inflammation - Cardiovascular – Ophthalmology
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New human polyomavirus identified (ref. MC209)
Researchers at Leiden University Medical Center have now succeeded in the isolation, characterisation and identification of a new polyomavirus, which is responsible for a rare skin disease. Since several polyomaviruses have already been identified as tumour-causing viruses, the scientists acknowledge that since certain cancers could be caused by this new virus, it may be a valuable target against which to design treatments.
Target – Cancer
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The development of therapeutics for CADASIL patients. (ref. MC142)
Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a condition causing ischemic brain lesions, which gradually leads to cognitive decline and eventually to dementia. Currently there is no treatment available for this disease. A new lead to develop therapeutic strategies for CADASIL patients has now been found.
Mental health disorders
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Polypeptide Block Copolymers and Polymersomes (ref. LU212)
A class of novel amphiphilic polypeptide block copolymers has been developed. The copolymers self-assemble into polymersomes which can be used as targeted drug delivery vehicles.
Drug delivery – Vaccine
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Novel Biofilm for Skin barrier repair and wound healing (ref. LU184)
Researchers at Leiden University have developed novel biofilms with superior skin barrier repair and skin hydration properties. These biofilms are based on a naturally occurring cream (Vernix Caseosa) that covers the foetus during development protecting its skin. Preclinical experiments have shown improved skin barrier repair compared to other registered products, and multiple synergistic therapeutic effects may be fulfilled by combining its superior hydration and barrier properties to delivery of skin nutrients, cosmetics, or drugs.
Wound healing – Drug delivery – Skin disorders – Cosmetics
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Drug discovery

High throughput 3D cell culture assay (ref. LU286)
Researchers at Leiden University have found a novel 3-dimensional cell culture assay that is highly suited for the study of cell behaviour and high throughput drug screening or other in vitro cell culture systems. Currently, it is used for cancer research.
Compound/drug screening - tissue engineering - cancer research
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Novel reporter assays for genotoxicity and oxidative stress (ref. LU255)
Scientists at Leiden University Medical Center and Leiden University have now identified genes that can serve as biomarkers for exposure to genotoxic or oxidative stress. Fluorescent reporters based on these biomarker genes were incorporated into highly sensitive mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells, which can be used as a high throughput toxicity assay in early stages of drug development.
Assay – Drug screening – Genotoxicity-Oxidative Stress 
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Novel Tray Design Allowing Automated Single Cell Microinjection (ref. LU257)
A highly effective, automated method for targeted, uniform and controllable microinjection of cells and zebrafish embryos without the need for optical guidance has been developed. This novel approach provides faster turn around times and a greater success rate than devices currently on sale.
Device – Drug discovery
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Mouse models available for Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) (ref. MC201)
Scientists at Leiden University Medical Center have now generated two separate mouse models, based on the genetic defects as seen in PKD patients, in combination showing all the subsequent phases of disease progression.
In vivo model – Renal disorders 
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Diagnostics



New specific genetic markers identified for hypervirulent Clostridium difficile PCR ribotypes (ref. MC267)
In the past decade, the incidence, complications and mortality of Clostridium difficile associated infection (CDI) have increased dramatically due to the emergence of the hypervirulent strains PCR ribotype 027 and PCR ribotype 078. Researchers in the Leiden University Medical Center now identified unique and very specific loci in the PCR ribotypes 027 and 078. They already developed a highly specific PCR test based on these inserts and are now looking for an industrial company to further develop and market the diagnostic tests.
Diagnostics - Bacterial Infections - PCR
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New diagnostic assay to predict risk, progression and response to treatment in Rheumatoid Arthritis (ref. MC247)
Researchers at Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) have established a novel diagnostic method which involves determining levels of antibodies directed against a specific group of proteins in sera or synovial fluids of RA patients.
Diagnostics - Rheumatoid Arthritis – Biomarkers – Antibodies - ACPA
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Antibody test for the diagnosis of Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) (ref. MC145)
Scientists have succeeded to produce a number of tumour specific proteins in an E.coli expression system that can be used in an antibody test for the diagnosis of Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC).
Protein - Cancer – Respiratory disorders  
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Medical Devices

Coating of microneedles (ref. LU312)
Scientists at Leiden University have recently developed a new coating and releasing application for microneedles. The coating of microneedles is a homogeneous, controlled reaction with high efficiency and reproducibility.
Chemical Adhesion Coating – Microneedles – Electrostatic Interaction – Surface Charge – Drug delivery
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Pressure sensor for use in an artery (ref. MC004)
The invention includes an in vivo wireless pressure sensor for measuring the pressure within the aneurismal sac. The data can be stored in the transponder allowing data to be taken from the pressure sensor over a prolonged period of time, enabling non-invasive monitoring of patients.
Monitoring device - Diagnostics - Cardiovascular disorders
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Other Devices

 

Dynamic and re-usable surface enhanced RAMAN scattering sensor (ref. LU256)
Scientists at Leiden University have developed a novel Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) Sensor which they have named SERSOR.  This SERS-based sensor allows for dynamical and re-usable measurements and can be used with standard RAMAN equipment.
Spectroscopy - Raman - Sensor Technology - Chemistry, Life Science - Inline monitoring
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Extreme radiation and temperature resistant electronic amplifier (ref. LU121)
A novel MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) based amplifier has been developed by scientists at Leiden University. The amplifier is free of semiconductor-based electronics and is therefore very suitable for use in extreme temperature and high ionizing radiation environments.
Device – Telecommunication – Electronics - MEMS
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Chemicals / Materials



Production of highly concentrated tuliposide from natural sources (ref. LU269)
Researchers from the Natural Products Laboratory (NPL) at Leiden University together with Wageningen University have identified a novel way of obtaining highly concentrated 6-Tuliposide B from a natural source. The NPL in Leiden is a unique facility bringing together expertise in natural products research, traditional medicine, plant metabolomics, quality control of medicinal plants, phytochemistry and state-of-the-art characterization of secondary metabolites on both analytical and preparative scale.
Tulips – Tuliposide – Tulipalins – Gummosis – Synthetic Intermediates – Antibacterial – Antifungal
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Electrochemical process to prepare metal nanoparticles or metal oxide nanoparticles (ref. LU280)
Scientists at Leiden University have developed a simple, efficient, robust, cheap and fast method of producing nanoparticles of a wide variety of metals with high catalytic activity. It creates small, clean, highly pure and active nanoparticles that are directly usable as catalysts.
Catalyst – Metal Nanoparticles – Alloys – Electrochemical process
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New method for producing bright-fluorescent gold nanoparticles (ref. LU285)
Scientists at Leiden University found a way to produce gold nanoparticles (<60nm diameter) showing bright and long lasting fluorescence. These nanoparticles can be used as durable and non-toxic labels compatible with biological labelling.
Nanoparticles – Gold – Fluorescence – Label
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New highly efficient Water Oxidation Catalyst (ref. LU291)
Researchers at Leiden University have developed a simple and robust water oxidation catalyst which shows, in a wide range of pH conditions, outstanding turnover performances (orders of magnitude greater than the best results published so far in the literature), while working at a low overpotential.
Catalyst – Water oxidation– Hydrogen productions – Artificial leaf
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Last Modified: 27-04-2012