[Licensing negotiation in progress]

[Invitation for Expression of Interest- Deadline: 12 October 2019]

We are inviting expressions of interest (EoI) for commercializing “A Catalogue of Chinese-relevant Markers for Diabetic Nephropathy” technology.  The innovation is developed by Professor Chung Ngor Juliana CHAN, Professor of Department of Medicine & Therapeutics of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK Reference: 02/MED/097).

The Technology

The present invention identifies and describes a combination of genetic markers that are associated with increased risk for diabetic nephropathy, either independently or through interactions with obesity, blood pressure and lipid controls.  These polymorphisms include the lipoprotein lipase (Ser447Term), paraoxonase 1 (Met55Leu), paraoxonase 2 (Ser311Cys), G protein beta-3 subunit (C825T), apolipoprotein B (Thr71Ile), beta-3 adrenergic receptor (Trp64Arg) and hepatic lipase (C-480T).  In addition, polymorphisms of apoliprotein B (Thr71Ile), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (A-922G), stromelysin (5A/6A), angiotensin II receptor type 1 (A1166C), angiotensinogen (Met235Thr) and G protein beta-3 subunit (C825T) are associated with risk for dyslipidaemia either at the presence or absence of diabetic nephropathy.  This catalogue of genetic markers can be used as a diagnostic tool to identify subjects predisposed to diabetic nephropathy and dyslipidaemia.

Commercialization

The technology is now available for licensing on an exclusive basis.  In order to fully realize the benefit of the technology, we expect substantial investment is necessary to enable further research and development.  In addition to the financial commitment, the licensee is expected to have the appropriate expertise as well as plans in marketing and strategizing the end product to ensure successful transfer of the technology to the society.  Previous or existing business involvement and experience in this area is a plus.

This invitation of expression of interest is without prejudice.  We also stress that this invitation is not a tender, and the University is not bound to accept any offer, or to accept the highest monetary offer, as there are additional considerations (such as the widest possible benefit to the community) that we, as a public institution, will need to take into consideration.