 “Specific Gene Silencing by Small Molecule Targeting of Transcriptional Control.” Dr. Laurence Hurley, UofA Product Under Development: First-in-class Anti-Cancer Drugs Dr. Hurley is seeking to identify at least one lead drug candidate and several backup compounds for development as anticancer agents. The SFAZ funding for research/company formation builds on prior NIH funding that allowed Dr. Hurley to identify a new class of drug targets in cancer cells. The major commercial advantages are two-fold. First, this project is developing a new class of drugs that promises a new therapeutic approach to its target markets, providing a distinct competitive advantage. Second, the target markets are those that suffer from substantial unmet medical need, including breast, colorectal, pancreatic, prostate, leukemias, and lymphomas cancers. The research is well underway, with a corporation filing expected later in 2008. Series A financing will likely commence in Spring 2009, upon completion of the SFAz-sponsored research. Monies Leveraged: Private/Non-Profit $600,000 (Leukemia & Lymphoma Society)
Dr. Hurley has a considerable track record in developing new therapeutic compounds. He has founded two university spin-out companies based upon his work, Montigen and Cylene. Cylene has raised over $70 million in venture funding and Montigen, which raised $5.2 million in series A financing, was acquired by SuperGen less than a year later for $40 million. SFAz funding for his work has allowed Dr. Hurley to stay in Arizona and develop a company in the state, rather than going to neighboring states as was done with the prior 2 companies. |
 “Ultra-low Voltage Hybrid Polymer/Sol-Gel Electro-optic Modulator and Switches for Next-Generation Communication Systems and Networks.” Dr. Nasser Peyghambarian, UofA Product Under Development: Optical Modulators for Broadband Communications. Read More >> The goal of this project is to produce ultra-low voltage, high performance Electro-Optic (EO) polymers and switches, and commercialize through the researcher’s spin-off company – TIPD, LLC. EO modulators take information and impart it onto a beam of light. Existing EO modulators lack the bandwidth, compactness, low-power consumption, and low cost required for exploiting their capabilities in future optical and wireless communications networks. Background/Progress: Through the first 12 months, the researchers have developed optimized hybrid EO polymer/sol-gel modulator chips and then turned them into packaged prototypes that were delivered to customers at the Air Force Research Laboratory. Monies Leveraged: Federal $950,000 (DARPA Phase-II, Air Force Phase-I STTR, and Army/DARPA Phase-I SBIR) Collaborations/Publications: DARPA, Air Force, University of Washington, Alcatel-Lucent, AT&T, BAE Systems, Corning, Deutsche Telekom, IBM, L3 Communications, Kotura, Lockheed-Martin, Luxtera, NEC, Nitto Denko, Northrup Grumman, NP Photonics, OpVista, Raytheon, and Sun Microsystems. Publications: 10 Awards: 3 Patents: 4 |
 “Dendritic Hydrogel Acuators for Disposable Infusion Pumps.”
Dr. Dominic McGrath, UofA Product Under Development: Actuators for Disposable Medical Infusion Pumps. Read More >> The goal of this project is to develop unique and durable polymer actuators for use in a low-cost, digital pump using a proprietary pulse activated cell system. The polymers are a critical part of the programmable pump system being developed. The system will be commercialized by Medipacs, a Tucson-based company, whose mission is to improve the quality of life and care for patients by developing advanced infusion pump technology to provide mobile, accurate, and low-cost drug and fluid delivery systems. Background/Progress: Early testing shows that the unique polymers developed by the research group have good performance characteristics useful for many delivery products. Therapeutic applications include diabetes, cancer treatment, and chronic pain. Commercialization potential exists for military and civilian healthcare. Monies Leveraged: Since receiving SFAz funding, Medipacs has raised $1.35 million via Convertible Notes and Preferred A Stock offerings. The fund sources include Arizona-based Angel investors, a San Diego-based venture capital firm, and investors from Washington, DC. In addition, Medipacs just leveraged a $50,000 SBIR Phase-IB award from NSF to continue their work and $1 million in Phase-II SBIR proposals are pending. Medipacs credits the SFAz investment as a risk mitigation factor and technical validation of the product to Angel and VC investors. Patents: 3 |
 “Molecular Diagnostic System for Ultra-rapid Identification of Nucleic Acid Sequences with Single Base Specificity.” Dr. Wayne Frasch, ASU Product Under Development: Medical Diagnostic Device for Detection of Pathogenic Organisms. Read More >> The goal of this project is to develop a commercially viable detection method for Staph and MRSA using the single molecule detection platform developed to detect synthetic DNA sequences. Background/Progress: The ASU research team has optimized the time required for genomic DNA detection and developed a multiplex assay that can detect and distinguish between Staph and MRSA as well as detect toxins responsible for symptoms of E-coli. Many of the most virulent viruses are RNA viruses; this finding positions them well for detection of viral load in HIV patients, expanding their market. The researchers established Attrometrics Inc. and appear positioned well for commercialization as their detection techniques avoid use of patent-protected enzymes, effectively avoiding costly licensing fees. Dr. Frasch’s detection techniques are more sensitive and involve less time, cost, and expertise than current methods.
Monies Leveraged: None to date; currently working on obtaining SBIR biomedical research funding from the Army Research Office and NSF and has been approached by several potential investors. The National Center for Animal Disease Control has requested to work with Attrometrics for rapid detection of bird flu, which could attract additional funding. Success with HIV detection will make Dr. Frasch competitive for funding from the Gates Foundation. Publications: 3 Publications, first of which received worldwide recognition in more than 60 technology news reports to include Chemical Biology, The R&D Daily, Medical Device Daily, Nanomaterials News, Engadget, etc. |
 “Hybrid Substrates for Low Cost Solid-State Lighting and Solar Energy Applications.” Dr. John Kouvetakis, ASU Product Under Development: Low-cost Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). Read More >> Background/Progress: The research team is using silicon wafers to develop low-cost, energy-efficient solutions for lighting with Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). Dr. Kouvetakis has established a semiconductor synthesis and wafer growth/processing facility, and conducted the transitioning of process optimization for product development. He has registered JR Optoelctronics, LLC in Arizona and has received strong support from LED companies to develop devices using their substrates. Monies Leveraged: Federal $1.3 million (DOE). The project is undertaken in collaboration with ASM America and has a high potential to attract venture capital and other investments. Federal $230,000 (NSF Phase-II STTR) leveraged in collaboration with Voltaix Corp. for solar cells. Federal $250,000 (US Air Force; Defense University Research Instrumentation Program). Dr. Kouvetakis is also working on a $40,000 subcontract for a Georgia-Tech/DARPA sponsored project. Additionally, another NSF grant for $998,000 is pending approval for work on applications to photovoltaics and silicon photonics. Collaborations/Publications: Intel, ASM America, Lawrence Semiconductors, University of Michigan, Lehigh University, Georgia Tech, Voltaix Corporation, Fine Consulting, Allied Minds, Pangaea Ventures, Pegasus Capital, Emerald Ventures, Isothermal Energy, the US Air Force, and the US DOE; Patents: 1 Patent application filed |
 “An Advanced Biotechnology for Commercial Production and Marketing of the Natural Pigment and Antioxidant – Astaxanthin.” Dr. Qiang Hu, ASU Product Under Development: Micro-algae for food and feed. Read More >> Background/Progress: Dr. Hu is developing processes to grow sun-powered microorganisms for the production of high-value products such as antioxidants and natural food pigments. Commercial products range from human food, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, or organic fertilizers and biofuels to improve human health and quality of life utilizing sustainable methods. SFAz monies have facilitated the development, construction, and evaluation of a flat-plate photo-bioreactor (MFPB) consisting of 48 bioreactor units. The MFPB has proved ideal for the project’s micro-algae strains and algae of commercial interest. Dr. Hu has also conducted economic analyses to determine commercial viability and societal benefits of astaxanthin production by the micro-algae in the MFPB system. Monies Leveraged: None to date.
Collaborations/Publications: Advanced BioNutrition Corp, Mars Symbioscience, a subsidiary of Mars Inc., T.Skretting AS, EWOS, BioMar, Valensa International, and General Nutrition Company. |
 “Low Cost Solar-Grade Silicon for Photovoltaics.”
Dr. David Lynch, UofA Product Under Development: Low-cost Silicon for Solar Applications. Read More >>>
Background/Progress: The SFAz funding supports the development of the Solar Technology Research Corporation (STRC), which was formed for the purpose of commercializing an invention by Dr. Lynch and a Norwegian colleague for producing a solar-grade silicon at a higher purity and significantly reduced cost relative to competitors. Silicon-based photovoltaics amount to over 90% of the current market. While that percentage is expected to shrink over the next decade, the rapid growth in demand for photovoltaics, and the longevity of silicon solar cells, makes production of silicon -based photovoltaics a growth industry for the future. STRC has already executed an exclusive patent license agreement with the UofA, completed a Series-A Financing Round, and established a management team for the nascent company. Monies Leveraged: Industry- $700,000; Solon AG, a European solar manufacturers was the primary investor in a Series A preferred stock offering July 2007. Solon’s ownership amounts to approximately 9%. STRC executed a purchase/sales agreement with Solon for up to 50% of STRC’s product and reached agreement with Solon for the creation of a Silicon Laboratory in Solon America’s Tucson manufacturing facility. |
 “CMOS compatible SOI MESFETs for advanced communications and information technology. Dr. Trevor Thornton, ASU Product Under Development: Integrated Circuits. Background/Progress SFAz funding supports the development of SJT Micropower, which is established as a fab-less design house focused on bringing new application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) to market. The business mainly intends to focus on the design and sale of ASICs based on proprietary technologies, with a key advantage that the fabrication of the circuits is outsourced to a semiconductor foundry. This strategy allows the company to concentrate on developing ASICs that exploit its discriminating technology, generating revenue from both licensing and product sales. As part of the conditions of SFAz funding, the company has recruited an interim CEO, developed a robust business model and plan, and retained legal counsel to facilitate company growth. In addition, the SJT Micropower has begun working closely with larger companies that manufacture semiconductor components to refine its designs. The company has partnered with Peregrine Semiconductor and Jazz Semiconductor for this purpose. Honeywell’s aerospace division has also offered free access to its advanced CMOS technology, providing both cost savings and an alternative manufacturing platform. Monies Leveraged: Federal $200,000 (DARPA Phase I SBIR and NASA Phase I SBIR)
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“Miniature Fiber-Optic Femtotesla Magnetic Field Probes for Non-Invasive Monitoring of Brain Activity”
Dr. Nasser Peyghambarian, UofA
Product Under Development: Magnetic Field Sensors for Brain Imaging
The objective of this program is to commercialize miniaturized fiber-optic magnetic field sensors that are anticipated to have a strong impact in fields such as non-invasive, real-time imaging of brain functions. Real-time monitoring of brain activity is essential for diagnosis and treatment of brain diseases, as well as for fundamental studies of the brain. Current available methods are either extremely invasive and rely on insertion of multiple electrodes into live brain cells, or have insufficient spatial and temporal resolution. TIPD’s researchers are working on a product that would provide better imaging and mitigate invasiveness.
Monies Leveraged: Federal $100,000 (DARPA Phase I SBIR) |