TARJA ENALA
Project Manager
Helsinki Innovation Services Ltd / Enterprise Europe Network
CONTACT DETAILS:
Tukholmankatu 8 A, FI-00290 Helsinki, Finland
Email: tarja.enala@helsinki.fi, Tel: +358 75 324 7040 or mobile +358 40 733 2708
FOCUS AREA
Biotechnology, Diagnostics, Biomaterials, Drug Discovery & Development, Functional foods,
Healthcare services and products
PROFILES:
1.) University of Turku / A rapid flow cytometric screening method for distinguishing
bacterial from viral infections (Ref: 11 FI 30I0 3LO6 )
A Finnish research group has invented a novel fast method (BIS point method), a flow cytometric
immunophenotyping of phagocytes using the screening panels of monoclonal receptor-specific
antibodies for distinguishing between bacterial a viral infections in about 1 hour. This BIS point method
can be applied to differentiate between bacterial and viral (e.g. H1N1 swine flu) pneumonias with 92%
sensitivity and 100% specificity. Applications: a flow cytometric kit for a rapid, reliable and easy to use
determination to detect an infection and to distinguish between bacterial and viral infections. BIS point
method may prevent treatment delays and inappropriate antibiotic treatments, thus leading to decreasing
medical costs. Type of partner sought: an industrial partner working in the field of diagnostics and clinical
cytometry and infectious diseases.
http://www.enterprise-europenetwork.ec.europa.eu/src/request/completerec.cfm?BBS_REF=11%20FI%2030I0%203LO6&TYPE=OFFER
&DISPLAY=Print
2.) University of Helsinki / Serum biomarker for Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain
Dysfunction in skeletal muscle which does not require muscle biopsy (Ref: 11 FI 30I0
3LOP )
A Finnish research group has identified a serum biomarker, FGF21 for screening mitochondrial
respiratory chain dysfunction in skeletal muscle which does not require muscle biopsy. Supportive in
vitro, in vivo and clinical data are available. This biomarker can be measured using ELISA, RIA and other
immuno-detection methods as well as with other methods based on direct protein identification. As
muscle biopsy is an invasive method, its need is carefully considered every time taken. Therefore, this new
serum test would probably be taken more often, and also for follow-up, for which muscle biopsy is too
invasive. It would also bring the diagnostics to clinics that cannot do muscle biopsies. Type of partner
sought: molecular diagnostic companies working in the field of mitochondrial diseases.
http://www.enterprise-europenetwork.ec.europa.eu/src/request/completerec.cfm?BBS_REF=11%20FI%2030I0%203LOP&TYPE=OFFER
&DISPLAY=Print
3.) HUSLAB Ltd, Hospital District of Helsinki / Method to select appropriate patient
management in gram-negative infections (Ref: 11 FI 30I0 3LOL )
A group of Finnish researchers has developed a new Real Time PCR method to screen for genes resistant
carbapenem antibiotics for identification of patients needing to be treated under isolation conditions in
gram-negative (eg. E.coli) infections and those who do not. And for determination of appropriate choice
of antibiotic therapy in multi-resistant strains. This new method is presented as a Real Time PCR multiplex
mix which has been validated with clinical strains from several countries, and tested for cross-reactivity
with >60 Gram negative species, and >250 ESBL strains. It covers more than one hundred carbapenemase
genes, and it is robust against new mutations. The test can be run using equipment available in many
hospital labs and the turnaround time is approximately three hours. The test is in clinical use in a leading
clinical diagnostic laboratory .Applications: Determination of appropriate choice of antibiotic therapy in
multi-resistant strains and identification of patients needing to be treated under isolation conditions &
those who do not and epidemiological screening. Type of partner sought: molecular diagnostic company in
the field of infectious diseases and epidemiological screening assays.
http://www.enterprise-europenetwork.ec.europa.eu/src/request/completerec.cfm?BBS_REF=11%20FI%2030I0%203LR2&TYPE=OFFER
&DISPLAY=Print
4.) JVS-Polymers Ltd, Espoo / New biodegradable polymers for controlled drug delivery (Ref:
11 FI 30I0 3LR2)
A Finnish research group has developed new biodegradable polymers, poly(ester anhydrides) for
controlled drug delivery. This enables the control of degradation rate, also some of the polymer grades
are not only photocurable but also degradable by surface erosion mechanism. Typical degradation times
are up to one month. The researchers are looking for industrial partners who are working in the field of
controlled drug formulation with new biodegradable polymers. Advantages of poly(ester anhydrides),
PEAHs are as follows:
- Combined advantages of polyesters and polyanhydrides
- Solvent-free, light-induced liquid-to-solid transition at room or body temperature
- Sustained and controlled peptide release, in vivo, for up to six days (studies ongoing to extend
this)
- Potential for high-load oral administration (up to 40-60% of composition) - small molecules
- Novel, simple, predictable tablet manufacturing technique
- No toxicity observed in studies to date
Type of partner sought: industrial partner working in the field of drug formulation with new
biodegradable poly(ester anhydrides).
http://www.enterprise-europenetwork.ec.europa.eu/src/request/completerec.cfm?BBS_REF=11%20FI%2030I0%203LR2&TYPE=OFFER
&DISPLAY=Print
5.) University of Helsinki / A Method to Enhance Protein Expression in Plants (Ref: 11FI 30I0
3MBR)
A Finnish researcher group has developed a novel method to achieve enhanced production of
recombinant proteins in non-transgenic plants. This method utilizes Agrobacterium infiltration of a
potyviral vector together with genes of enhancer proteins. The technology is suitable to be used under
greenhouse conditions. As the expression of the target protein production is higher than with currently
employed methods, it is possible e.g. to obtain same yield with fewer plants.
Currently available methods used in the production of recombinant proteins in plants have been
successfully employed to generate human therapeutic proteins such as a vaccine for the treatment of nonHodgkin’s lymphoma. Also virus vector technology has produced recombinant proteins for commercial use.
Applications:
• Production of recombinant proteins in non-transgenic plants
• Enhanced yield compared to currently available methods
Type of partner sought: industrial partner working in the field of plant biology and protein production in
plants.
http://www.enterprise-europenetwork.ec.europa.eu/src/request/completerec.cfm?BBS_REF=11%20FI%2030I0%203MBR&TYPE=OFFER
&DISPLAY=Print
6.) Arctic Partners Ltd, Turku / An effective and inexpensive tool to predict osteoporotic
fractures (Ref: 11 FI 30I0 3MEY)
A Finnish SME has developed one-step, two-site immunofluorometric assays to specifically detect
different circulating forms of human osteocalcin (hOC) in serum samples. The company is looking for
industrial partners interested in further development of the assay and in-licensing the IP rights.
Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of
bone tissue, leading to bone fragility. If not prevented or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress
painlessly until a bone fracture occurs. These fractures occur typically in the hip, spine, and wrist. Human
osteocalcin (hOC), also designated bone Gla protein (BGP), is the most abundant noncollagenous protein
synthesized by bone osteoblasts. Levels of circulating hOC have been widely used in the clinical
investigations as a marker of bone formation and serum hOC levels have been shown to correlate with
bone mineral density measurements in many situations. Serum osteocalcin as a measure of increased bone
turnover is a determinant of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, and the serum concentrations of
osteocalcin increase with advancing age, in both men and women.
One-step, two-site immunofluorometric assays to specifically detect different circulating forms of human
osteocalcin (hOC) in serum samples. These human osteocalcin (hOC) assays are based on well-characterized
monoclonal antibodies, can be completed in less than 2 hours and are suitable for automation.
Immunoassays for total and gamma-carboxylated hOC measure a stable form of an otherwise labile protein
in serum thus making specimen collection and sample handling easy. The analytical sensitivity, specificity
and precision of the immunoassays are excellent.
Type of partner sought: industrial partner working in the field of diagnostics and osteoporosis (metabolic
diseases).
http://www.enterprise-europenetwork.ec.europa.eu/src/request/completerec.cfm?BBS_REF=11%20FI%2030I0%203MEY&TYPE=OFFER&
DISPLAY=Print
7.) Institute of Medical Technology (IMT), University of Tampere / AOX – Gene therapy for
common and devastating human diseases (Ref: 11 FI 30I0 3LPN)
A Finnish research group is developing the alternative oxidase, AOX, as a wide-spectrum gene therapy
payload for combating a broad range of diseases linked to dysfunction of the mitochondria. AOX
provides a gene therapy solution that prevents cell damage caused by oxidative stress.
AOX by-passes the cytochrome segment of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, acting as a kind of safety
valve for the cell’s major energy-generating system. One of its most attractive biochemical properties is
that it is self-regulating, contributing to metabolism only under conditions when the regular mitochondrial
energy-generating system is unavailable or overwhelmed.
The researchers are looking for research collaboration partners and/or EU funding.
http://www.enterprise-europenetwork.ec.europa.eu/src/request/completerec.cfm?BBS_REF=11%20FI%2030I0%203LPN&TYPE=OFFER&D
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8.) University of Turku / In situ mouldable and sterile package implant for bone repair (Ref:
11 FI 30I0 3LPL)
A group of Finnish researchers has devised a mouldable and sterile implant system for bone repair
whereby the implant composite is shaped in situ under sterile conditions thus avoiding the risk of
contamination of the final implant. The present invention relates to an implant system comprising
implantable material in at least partially uncured form, contained in a closed casing, under vacuum and
sterilised, and a closed bag containing the casing. The system is characterised in that at least 5 % of the
surface of the casing comprises sheet-like material having a thickness of 0.05 – 5 mm and having an original
form, the sheet-like material being selected from the group consisting of metallic materials, polymers,
bioceramic materials and composites thereof, provided that the material, once deformed from its original
form to a changed form, is capable of maintaining that changed form unless subjected to external forces.
In this technology, the inventors have devised a system whereby the implant composite is shaped in situ
under sterile conditions thus avoiding the risk of contamination of the final implant. The objectives of this
new system are to provide an implant system which:
• Is safe to correctly shape the implant material to the required, sometimes quite complicated shape and to
be able to cure the material into that shape
• The risks of contamination of the patient be minimized, by avoiding contact between the surgeon and the
implant and between the possibly irritating components of the uncured implant material and the patient
• The final implant has improved adhesion to the surrounding tissues
The inventors are looking for industrial partners working in the field of composite bone repair implant
system.
http://www.enterprise-europenetwork.ec.europa.eu/src/request/completerec.cfm?BBS_REF=11%20FI%2030I0%203LPL&TYPE=
OFFER&DISPLAY=Print
9.) MCA Research Laboratory Ltd, Turku / Method for quantifying oxidized HDL and LDL
lipids in cardiovascular disease and metabolic (Ref: 11 FI 30I0 3LMD)
A small Finnish company has developed the assays of oxidized HDL lipids, oxidized LDL lipids. Their ratio
will significantly improve the possibilities for diagnosis, follow-up of treatment, and basic research of
cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The company is looking for industrial diagnostic partners
interested in further development (antibodies/kits).
Clinical studies on oxidized lipoprotein lipids have been reported in over 30 articles published in
international peer-reviewed journals and the measurement of oxidized lipoprotein lipids has shown great
diagnostic potential. Common to all studies performed, measurement of the oxidized lipoprotein lipids has
turned out to be more sensitive and specific indicator of the risk than the lipid markers currently employed.
Oxidized lipids in circulating HDL and LDL are closely related to coronary and carotid atherosclerosis,
arterial functions, as well as in type II diabetes, insulin resistance and other symptoms of metabolic
syndrome. Intervention studies have shown that the levels of oxidized lipoprotein lipids can be reduced by
weight reduction, physical activity, statin treatment and dietary intervention. As an indicator of the
significance of the lipid peroxide transport function, the ratio of oxidized HDL lipids : oxidized LDL lipids
appears to be the most sensitive indicator of the risk.
http://www.enterprise-europenetwork.ec.europa.eu/src/request/completerec.cfm?BBS_REF=11%20FI%2030I0%203LMD&TYPE=OFFER&
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10.)
The Hospital District of Helsinki / Method to guide optimal therapy choice in breast
cancer (Ref: 09 FI 30I0 3DFA)
Finnish central hospital researchers have identified a biomarker which can be used to guide optimal
therapy choice in breast cancer. This finding is a base for creation novel diagnostic tests for personalized
medicine applications and patient care in treatment for breast cancer. Diagnostics companies are sought
for license and further development.
The present technology is based on a discovery of biomarker, NQO1*2 genotype, that appears to strongly
predict how breast cancer patients will respond to a common form of chemotherapy. The NQO1 enzyme
has previously been shown to guard cells against oxidative stress and to help prevent the spread of cancer.
The NQO1*2 variant disables the production of the NQO1 enzyme.
http://www.enterprise-europenetwork.ec.europa.eu/src/request/completerec.cfm?BBS_REF=09%20FI%2030I0%203DFA&TYPE=OFFER&D
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11.)
University of Helsinki and Turku / Novel Pim kinase inhibitors with demonstrated
activity in cell culture (Ref: 11 FI 30I0 3LM8)
A Finnish research group has found new Pim kinase inhibitors, which are able to inhibit migration of
adherent cancer cells, suggesting that they could reduce the ability of these cells to form fatal
metastases. The present inhibitors can be used not only as efficient research tools, but also as promising
lead compounds for developing new preventive or therapeutic drugs to treat patients with metastatic
tumors. The researchers are looking for industrial partners for further development.
The applications of these new Pim kinase inhibitors may be used for treating, preventing and/or alleviating
diseases or conditions associated with overexpression of Pim kinases, including, but not limited to, cancers
such as leukaemias, lymphomas as well as solid tumors like prostate cancer. In addition to the medical
implications, the compounds are extremely useful as research tools. Results of this project provide new
possibilities for therapy of diseases with unmet need of advanced drug treatment. Especially prostate
cancer is still poorly treatable. New compounds and strategies will be patented and published in
internationally acknowledged scientific journals when relevant. These compounds and their properties will
also be actively advertised to such pharmaceutical companies that could exploit the knowledge coming out
of this work.
http://www.enterprise-europenetwork.ec.europa.eu/src/request/completerec.cfm?BBS_REF=11%20FI%2030I0%203LM8&TYPE=OFFER&
DISPLAY=Print
12.)
Labmaster Ltd, Turku / New ECL-based (Electrochemiluminescence) detection
technology and test concept, specifically suitable for next generations POC
diagnostics (Ref. 11FI 30I0 3MLJ)
A small Finnish company has developed new and non-traditional ECL (electrochemiluminescence)-based
detection technology. This HECL (hot electron induced cathodic ECL)-technology is patented by the
company and can be used in all In Vitro diagnostic applications. However the most suitable application
will be next generation of POC-diagnostics. The main advantages are very good performance equal to best
laboratory tests, rapid assay time (below 6 min), very low costs because no expensive parts are needed in
reader or single use test cartridges, suitable for all immunodiagnostic assays and also DNA/RNA-tests,
multiparameter testing is also possible from one sample.
Look at http://www.labmaster.fi/technologies/index.htm
The company is looking for industrial partners interested in using HECL technology in their products and
new commercial applications.
http://www.enterprise-europenetwork.ec.europa.eu/src/request/completerec.cfm?BBS_REF=11%20FI%2030I0%203MLJ&TYPE=OFFER&D
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