TPP and University of Edinburgh collaborate on development of novel pre-clinical intellectual property

Aug 31 2010

TPP Global Development Ltd (TPP) announced an agreement with the University of Edinburgh to collaborate on the development of novel pre-clinical intellectual property originated within the University.

“We are delighted to have entered into this agreement with the University of Edinburgh. They rank amongst the global elite in terms of academic excellence and ability to originate novel IP.”

TPP and the University of Edinburgh will focus on commercialisation opportunities in the areas of nervous system disorders, immunology/inflammation and oncology. Initially the agreement will run for five years, after which it may be extended.

Thomas Brown, TPP's CEO commented, "We are delighted to have entered into this agreement with the University of Edinburgh. They rank amongst the global elite in terms of academic excellence and ability to originate novel IP."

Professor Jonathan Seckl, Director of Research for the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, said: "I am highly delighted that TPP has recognised the enormous commercial potential encompassed within Edinburgh's globally-leading basic and translational medical and veterinary research. We look forward to some successful interactions with TPP in the years to come. "

Dr Mike Capaldi, Development Director at Edinburgh BioQuarter, said: "We are very pleased that the University of Edinburgh has announced this partnership with TPP, which represents a significant building-block in the continued development of Edinburgh as a world centre for bio-technology and life sciences."

The Edinburgh BioQuarter is a ground-breaking collaboration between the University of Edinburgh, Alexandria Real Estates, the NHS and Scottish Enterprise to foster innovation and attract investment into the Edinburgh region.

TPP has an experienced board with strong industry expertise. CEO Tom Brown and CFO Peter Trill have almost 25 years combined experience of advising on and investing in healthcare and biotech companies. Other board members include Professor Michael Walker, CEO of Verona and a founder of Rhythm Search Developments (RSD) which evolved into Nortran Pharmaceuticals and subsequently NASDAQ-listed Cardiome, and Dr Sharon O'Kane, a founder of LSE-listed Renovo.

The TPP scientific advisory board (SAB) comprises a team of exceptional scientists, chaired by Professor Sid Gilman, previously member and chairman of the FDA's PNS/CNS committee (the panel advising the FDA on drugs targeting nervous system disorders) and a renowned scientist in the fields of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and other movement disorders.