A new treatment that could potentially reverse or stop the progression of traumatic brain injury will be developed at a new state-of-the-art biotechnology facility launched at La Trobe University.
The $8 million Bio Innovation Hub, funded by the Victorian government, has been officially opened at La Trobe’s Melbourne campus in Bundoora.
The purpose-built facility includes PC2 wet laboratories and equipment to help businesses commercialise their research discoveries.
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said, “Integral to our growing research and innovation precinct in Melbourne’s north as part of University City of the Future, the Bio Innovation Hub will connect La Trobe’s world-class research capabilities in biotechnology, molecular sciences and agriculture with some of Australia’s most pioneering industries, creating a catalyst for growth and innovation.
“La Trobe students will also benefit from the Hub’s state-of-the-art facilities, gaining real-world research experience that will lead to future career opportunities.”
Start-ups and small—to medium-sized biotechnology and agri-technology enterprises will be able to become tenants in the facilities located within the University’s Research and Innovation Precinct.
The Hub's first occupants include La Trobe spin-out AlleSense, regenerative and preventative medicine company Aeterna Health, and VivaZome Therapeutics.
VivaZome CEO and managing director Xenia Sango said they were proud to be among the first occupants of the Hub, which had significant benefits to the company's research.
VivaZome is developing and commercialising customised Extracellular Vesicles (EVs). These tiny ‘sacs’ can potentially transport key medical supplies to targeted parts of the body. They specialise in targeted treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, including Traumatic Brain Injury and stroke.