Notes of Novel Therapies RDG Meeting
9th September 2011
Swansea University
Attendees:
Dr Robin Howe
Professor Paul Dyson
Profesor Eshwar Mahenthiralingam
Dr Katja Hill
Dr Amanda Tonks
Dr Mandy Wooton
Professor David Thomas
Dr Joachim Bugert
Dr Leon O’Malley
Professor Steve Allen
Dr Arun Acharja
Charlotte Emanuel
Elaine Ferguson
Kate Evans
Rebecca Milton
1. Welcome and introduction
Introductions of all attendees took place. Dr Robin Howe provided an overview of MITReG
and the Research Development Group (RDG).
2. Membership and recruitment
There are approximately 30 members associated with this particular RDG, all members have
varied interests and priorities, it is important to establish which group members share
common research interests and pursue these.
3 / 4 Sharing of interests and current studies
Robin Howe
Current study development using faecal samples to screen for organisms and genes.
Interested in the probiotic effect on faecal microflora.
Is also involved with a novel antimicrobial peptide from sputum in CF patient, this is currently
being tested in the dental school
David Thomas
Interests are in the scarring and healing of leg ulcers. Antibiotic treatment assessment;
studying the reactions of bacteria within cells. Focus is at both gene and cell level. Industrial
funding could be secured with a focus on dressings / biopolymers. Interested in applying for
clinical research fellowships and studentships with multi-centre support.
Eshwar Mahenthiralingam
Raised issue of funding in order to screen bacteria in order to discover more molecules.
Needs better collaborations with chemists and hoping MITReG will enable this to happen.
Steve Allen
Has carried out various metra analyses on varied use of probiotics. His work specialises in
probiotics in acute diarrhoea with a particular interest in malnutrition in Western Africa with a
focus on environmental issues and how that is linked with gut inflammation. Looking at
biomarkers of gut inflammation in children in Nigeria and potential therapies, children’s growth
and development can be affected by these issues so research is being undertaken to identify
whether probiotics or antibiotics can help reduce the growth and health of children.
Elaine Ferguson
Is currently investigating biodegradable polymers in in vitro studies but requires help with in
vivo stage to target infection and reduce infection’s toxicity. Proof of concept can be tried with
any protein or peptide.
Arun Acharja
Is based in South East Wales Trials Unit (SEWTU) and has background in dermatology.
Areas of interest include antifungals, antimicrobial and probiotics.
Amanda Tonks
Current research involves looking at host responses to microbes and enzymes, focusing on
lipid biochemistry, interested in identifying the altered inflammatory responses by changing
the properties of the cell membrane.
Joachim Bugert
Virologist researching the lipid function of cells, which has no antimicrobial function but has
led to a reduction in inflammation. Works closely with chemists, Chris McGuigan and Stephen
Denyer.
Raised the issue of need to grow clinical strains in hospitals rather than reference labs but
very expensive to avoid the viruses dying in transit.
Leon O’Malley
Sarum Biosciences Limited who have a particular interest in bacteriaphage technology with
focuses on acne and C difficile. Also interests in antimicrobial sponges. Identifies that there is
a need to develop better contacts across the board as can help with funding at the
commercial end.
Paul Dyson
Can offer links between Ed Dudley in relation to maggot therapy which is linked into DT’s
current research. Currently developing a paramagnetic protein nanocage. Need to
functionalise particles. Interested in finding a clinical research fellow for conjugates; mode of
action studies.
5. Potential collaborations
NISCHR Responsive Funding Scheme, early October 2011
Joint call with CYPRN to establish up to four RDGs of up to £2,500 per group in paediatric
related infection theme. Funding for a year towards meeting costs to develop at least one
application for large scale funding.
MRC Bacteriological Research Centre, Cardiff University have been invited to submit an
application for this research centre.
It is important that all members utilise MITReG’s resources, there is administration support
available as well as collaborative opportunities.
Areas of interest:



Antimicrobials
C Difficile therapeutics
Probiotics
6. Aspirations of grouping:




Need for better understanding of members’ interests
Need for coherent strategy: divide into sub groups?
Nanomedicine; chemistry; industry input
Peer review panel
7. Date of next meeting
Aim to hold these meetings quarterly, potentially have a larger meeting with break out groups.
Actions

Chemistry contacts: KE and RM to invite contacts to join RDG.

KE to contact MediWales re industry contacts.

Clinical reference facility: MITReG to act as hub for samples collection and sharing: to
be discussed at MITReG steering group meeting, 14/09/11

RDG members’ interests: KE and RM to circulate spreadsheet of members’
information to all in RDG

Members’ project / proposal ideas: KE to circulate short form to all and compile in
time for next meeting.

Funding calls: KE to provide more information re CYPRN joint call; KE to pinpoint
specific calls of interest to this group.

AA to contact a dermatologist to join the RDG