The event was designed along the lines of the successful ‘industry meets emerging science’ events organised by Cambridge Network to show some of the incredible science that companies are doing in Cambridge that may one day change the world. Brilliantly chaired by Derek Jones, CEO of Babraham Bioscience Technologies, the company that manages and develops the Babraham Research Campus, the packed Hauser Forum café heard from 11 speakers on topics as varied as next-generation antibody therapeutics to genetic testing for non-communicable disease and from regeneration of human cells to genomic analytics.
Derek Jones chaired the evening, reminding the audience to feel inspired by living in the prime location for world-class science in Europe; “Life science companies are so fortunate to be here in Cambridge – at the forefront of world leading cutting edge research”
Just three examples showcased were:
- Johan Estellon, Sales & Marking Manager from Congenica told us how a genetic test by one clinician now makes diagnosis of rare disease possible in days rather than years. Congenica was founded on pioneering research from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, NHS clinicians and regional genetic testing laboratories.
- Andrew Lynn, CEO of Fluidic Analytics and Cambridge Network director, told how it might be possible for a simple protein fingerprint test carried out by a pharmacist analysing a single drop of blood could provide real time information about a patient’s state of health while they wait. Conversely, simple and quick analysis could reduce diagnostic development timescales on-site, on-chip and without complex sample preparation.
- Abcodia’s CEO, Julie Barnes, told our audience that 200k women were involved in trials for improved ovarian cancer screening and that early detection can save lives. Abcodia’s screening via the ROCA test shows 86% sensitivity, comparing favourably with other existing tests. Mortality rates could be reduced by 20% in just a couple of years.
Other companies presenting on the night included DefiniGEN, Cambridge Epigenetix, Crescendo Biologics, Arecor, Axol Bioscience, F-Star, Global Gene Corp and Repositive.
Holding an event such as this was great fun, generated a lively atmosphere and started our new season of events off in great style, engaging over 200 members, some new and some known to us, and now hopefully known to each other. It was made possible by the kind support of sponsors MedImmune, Horizon Discovery, the Wellcome Genome Campus, STEMCELL Technologies and Source Bioscience.
The next Business Lecture will be on 26 October where members will hear from Jagex about computer gaming and its translation into learning through ‘gamification’ at the Centre for Computing History. It’s free for members of Cambridge Network and further details are online at www.cambridgenetwork.co.uk/events