[Licensing negotiation in progress]

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

We are inviting expressions of interest (EoI) for commercializing “A Method for Assessing the Genetic Risk for Cataract” 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: 01/MED/074).

The Technology

Cataract is a leading cause of blindness in elderly and diabetic patients.  Poor glycemic control can lead to increased conversion of glucose to sorbital via the aldose reductase pathway.  Increased accumulation of sorbital has been implicated in the development of cataract.  Our group has found an association between a microsatellite marker of the aldose reductase gene and the occurrence of cataract in patients with Type 2 diabetes.  The microsatellite alleles can be identified using polymerase chain reaction-based techniques followed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.  The presence of the microsatellite allele Z confers an increased risk for cataract.  Whereas, another allele (allele Z-4) reduces the risk for the eye disease.  We now declare that our genetic test (i.e., using the microsatellite marker) can be used to identify subjects with increased susceptibility towards cataract formation, at least in individuals with Type 2 diabetes. Identification of these high risk subjects will allow more intensive treatment including the use of aldose reductase inhibitors.

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.