Challenge
Polyphotonix are a process innovator in the field of OLED (organic light emitting diode) technology, and have pioneered new and low cost manufacturing processes to enable the mass production of OLEDs for a variety of applications. Through collaboration with research partners and market analysis, they identified a significant opportunity to use OLEDs as a low cost, home based, primary care intervention for the treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) and Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
Solution
The aim of the project was to develop, introduce and embed biological and cellular testing capabilities and understanding in the company. The embedded knowledge would permit effective engagement with clinicians, patient groups and future clinical trial partners. The Associate's aim was to develop their capabilities in biological and cellular testing by creating a bespoke laboratory to deliver the project objectives and to develop a pathway for a medical device from concept to commercialisation.
The project was an ambitious twelve month programme and it is testimony to the high calibre of the Associate, Celia Murray-Dunning, and the project team, that all objectives were achieved despite difficult challenges that manifested during the project. Establishing a bespoke laboratory, designing the testing protocol and then defining the hardware (including OLED plates) led to a micro-management strategy and successful introduction of countermeasures that assured the project objectives.
Benefits
The KTP has allowed Polyphotonix to branch out into technologies completely new to the company in the field of Phototherapy for eye disease, while simultaneously developing a pathway to bring a new medical device from concept to commercialisation. The development, implementation and embedding of biological and cellular testing capabilities within the company was a further benefit.
For the Associate, the KTP was a chance to build project management skills enabling delivery of milestones over a very short period together with knowledge of regulatory affairs related to medical devices. The KTP allowed the Associate to take a medical device from concept to commercialisation, while developing SOPs for industry use in product development; involving laboratory requirements, experimental procedures and the necessary cellular and molecular biological expertise to interpret the results.
The KTP enabled the University to develop valuable expertise in the potential role of OLED technologies in medical devices. As a result it has been used it as a springboard for further collaborative grants including a 2nd KTP, a KTN CASE studentship and a clinical trial.
Working with a company allows you to demonstrate how your knowledge will be of benefit and to have real impact and that is hugely motivating.
Professor Rachel Williams, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool
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