Amyris Innovation BIG Impact Award recognizes project that uses biomaterial to regenerate intervertebral disc
Fetalix, Beesaver and MindMimics are the three projects distinguished by the Amyris Innovation BIG Impact Award, a biotechnology innovation contest organized by the Alumni Association of the Escola Superior de Biotecnologia of the Porto Regional Centre, in partnership with the Escola Superior de Biotecnologia and the Amyris Bio Products Portugal.
The winner of the Amyris Innovation BIG Impact Award, FETALIX, a startup led by Joana Caldeira, developed and patented a biomaterial derived from a mammalian fetal source otherwise wasted in the range of millions of tons by the livestock industry, to treat degenerate disc disease (DDD) in humans and specific dog breeds resolving chronic low back pain through a minimally invasive approach. The biomaterial presents unique regenerative properties and its production is simple, safe, affordable and scalable.
The second prize was awarded to the Beesaver project that addresses the problem of honeybees decrease worldwide. This project, led by Ana Cristina Afonso Oliveira, from the Universidade do Minho, aim to developing a rapid and innovative screening KIT for detect viable spores in an infected colony even if no disease is apparent to observers. It should be noted that early diagnosis is very important to prevent its spread, allowing the timely implementation of sanitary protocols with strict biosecurity rules.
The MindMimics project, presented by Laura Frazão, was distinguished with the 3rd prize. MindMimics intends to exploit human brain organoids as a powerful alternative for drug screening and for the study of neuronal development diseases. The concept of the project is based on the production of brain and brain tumor organoids from induced pluripotent stem cells using European cell banks or patients themselves. The vision is to make this model of human brain tissue available for use by pharmaceutical companies and R&D institutions to support the discovery of new drugs and therapies to combat neurological diseases.
Hugo Choupina, vice president of the Alumni Association of the Escola Superior de Biotecnologia and co-organizer of the event, highlights "the scientific excellence of the proposed solutions combined with the principles of circular economy with particular focus on solving major problems in society," adding "we are facing excellent examples of the best research that is carried out at national level and that is likely to be transferred and capitalized in the industry." Ana Leite Oliveira, co-organizer of the event and faculty member of Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, reinforces "the jury was very well impressed with the quality and quantity of projects presented."
John Melo, CEO of Amyris Inc., actively participated in the event and at the end of his speech he praised the innovation and differentiation factor of the projects, congratulating all those involved.
In the first edition of the Amyris Innovation Big Impact Award, a pioneer award in the national biotechnology ecosystem, more than 40 applications were evaluated at national and international level. The first place will receive seven thousand euros, while the second and third places will receive two thousand and one thousand euros, respectively. The results were announced in the third edition of Biotechnology Innovation Forum: Think Big in Biotechnology, which took place online on October 9, organized by the Alumni Association of the Escola Superior de Biotecnologia of the Porto Regional Centre, in partnership with the Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Amyris Bio Products Portugal and Delta Cafés.