A team at the University of Sheffield School of Clinical Dentistry, led by Dr Helen Colley who are collaborating with Dr Md Zobaer Hasan from Rohto Pharmaceuticals (Japan), have been awarded an industrially-sponsored knowledge exchange grant to develop gene edited tissue-engineered human skin. This new model will enable research to identify the molecular mechanisms that underpin the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. The intention is to develop an integrated approach that will lead to the development of novel, targeted therapeutic interventions for this painful, debilitating condition.
This collaborative award is an excellent example of knowledge exchange where experts from industry and academia work together to solve a problem. This award builds on previous successes with the team at the University of Sheffield and we are really excited for this opportunity to help improve the dermatology product pipeline.
Dr Md Zobaer Hasan
Rohto Pharmaceuticals
Professor Paul Hatton, Director for Research at the School of Clinical Dentistry, commented: “The development and application of advanced, complex in vitro models of human diseases is an area where Dr Colley’s team are world leading. I am delighted to see our academics and industry partnering together to better understand this common condition, and I expect to see innovative treatments based on this new knowledge.”