Recipients of the Innovation Jump Start Award
2024: Dr Ian Liddle, University of Otago
Development of PROTAC-antibiotics to mediate targeted protein degredation in drug resistant bacteria
Parmjeet Parmar MP (ACT) with 2024 Value of Medicines Innovation Jump start Award Winner, Dr Ian Liddle.
Dr. Ian Liddle’s research addresses the urgent challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by exploring a novel drug discovery strategy: bacterial-PROTACs. These molecules hijack bacteria’s waste disposal systems, such as the ClpXP protease complex, to induce targeted protein degradation (TPD) of essential bacterial proteins, eliminating their function entirely. This innovative approach builds on the success of PROTACs in oncology and represents a new paradigm for antibiotic development. Ian’s work involves synthesizing bacterial-PROTACs, testing them against pathogenic bacteria, and analyzing their mechanisms to advance this promising strategy.
2023: Dr Rory Little, Victoria University
Creation of the New Zealand Insect Symbiont Collection for Antimicrobial Drug Discovery
Parmjeet Parmar MP (ACT) with Value of Medicines Innovation Jumpstart Award Winner, Dr Rory Little.
Dr Little's project aims to discover new antimicrobial drugs from overlooked sources, particularly bacteria living in symbiosis with New Zealand's diverse insect population. While nature has historically provided successful drugs, rediscovery rates are high, and resistance is increasing. The project focuses on creating a collection of insect-derived bacteria (NZect strain collection), sequencing their genomes, and screening for antimicrobial natural products. The unique bacteria associated with New Zealand insects remain largely unexplored. His explorative and ambitious proposal aims to establish a unique New Zealand resource from which to conduct drug discovery, with a longer-term objective of his research being to establish a spinoff company to help develop promising drug leads, ultimately leading to a healthier and wealthier country.
2022: Dr Emma Wade, Otago University
Smart Biologicals to Promote Internal Healing
Professor Gary Evans (left) presents Dr Wade with the 2022 Innovation Jump Start Award Trophy
A serendipitous observation made during Dr Wade's research has led to the identification of a protein with significant potential for development into a biological therapeutic to improve post-surgical healing of the fascia after abdominal surgeries such as hernia repairs, caesarean sections, and surgery for pelvic prolapse. If the findings of her proposed research are positive and it is feasible to develop a biological therapeutic product using this protein, it would have the potential to improve outcomes for a vast range of people and could save the health system money by avoiding the need for repeat surgeries.