Translation & Commercialisation

Translation

The Maurice Wilkins Centre has a strong focus on translating its research from the laboratory to the clinic, to benefit human health. It draws together most of New Zealand's expertise in discovering new drugs, vaccines and diagnostic tools that proceed to clinical trials. The Centre is also working to build a comprehensive network against human disease, extending from the wider medical profession through to commerical partners who can apply and add value to its scientific discoveries.

The Centre also drives the translation of its research and expertise from the laboratory by commercialising its discoveries through a variety of avenues.

Commercialisation

Maurice Wilkins Centre investigators have extensive experience commercialising their research. To date they have been responsible for bringing a large portfolio of drugs to clinical trial, with a deep pipeline of new projects in pre-clinical development. This strong portfolio means that New Zealand maintains its exciting potential in the biopharmaceutical sector, a sector capable of driving explosive economic growth.

The creation of spin-out companies is an important pathway for the development of the Centre's research and often brings in international partners and funds, and Centre investigators maintain close links with such companies. Examples of start-up companies based on Maurice Wilkins Centre investigators' intellectual property include Sapvax LLC, Avalia Immunotherapies and Convert Pharmaceuticals (click here to see a highlight story and further information). 

Licensing discoveries to companies and non-profit organisations is another major avenue for translation and commercialisation of its research.