Visceral leishmaniasis is a devastating yet treatable parasitic disease that affects thousands of people annually, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite existing treatments, barriers like high cost, complex administration, and limited availability continue to leave many without care. The burden often falls the hardest in communities with the fewest healthcare resources.
That’s where UBC research is making a global difference.
After more than a decade of dedicated work, Dr. Kishor Wasan and a team at the Neglected Global Diseases Initiative (NGDI) at UBC have developed an oral formulation of amphotericin B; a safer, easier-to-administer, and more affordable alternative to current intravenous treatments. Taken orally, this version has the potential to dramatically expand access and reduce health inequities in treating visceral leishmaniasis.
This promising innovation has now reached a major milestone: UBC has licensed the formulation to EluciDx Corp, a company led by Dr. James W. Kim and are committed to ensuring global access and affordability. The licensing agreement includes strong provisions to protect access for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
UBC was the first Canadian University to develop and adopt a set of global access principles and strategies for research, licensing and patenting of new innovations, aimed at providing affordable access to UBC-developed technologies throughout low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and among vulnerable populations. Further validating its global relevance, the project has been endorsed by Universities Allied for Essential Medicines (UAEM), a leading advocate for equitable access to publicly funded research. The endorsement underscores UBC’s leadership not just in drug discovery, but in ensuring those discoveries serve those most in need.
This project exemplifies how university research can create real-world impact. Supported by the Innovation UBC Inventions and Licensing team, the journey from academic discovery to patent strategy was guided by a focus on social responsibility. The team’s work, from invention disclosure to licensing, enabled this innovation to move from bench to bedside.
This milestone is a powerful example of UBC research advancing equitable healthcare solutions and of how innovation, when paired with intentional partnerships, can lead to lifesaving outcomes.
Innovation UBC Invention and Licensing team
UBC’s inventions and licensing team helps UBC researchers to protect and advance high-potential discoveries. The team of experts hold a wealth of knowledge and will work with you to assess the commercial potential of your invention; develop and enact a suitable patenting strategy; determine whether the invention could be the basis of a spin-off company; market to and negotiate with potential licensees; and ensure all agreements are in place to support the transition from invention to impact.
Contact our team of experts to learn more.
Read more on UBC’s Global Access Principles: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1271618/full
