UQ researchers win technology award

The University of Queensland's Centre for Immunology and Cancer Research (CICR) has won an Australian Technology Award for excellence in developing biotechnology and pharmaceutical technology.

CICR and CSL Limited received the award this month in Sydney for an innovative technology which pioneers the way for a cervical cancer vaccine.

CICR administrative officer Anton Sanker said the Centre was delighted to receive the award which represented years of research work by dedicated scientists based in the University's Medicine Department at Princess Alexandra Hospital.

"Centre director Professor Ian Frazer and Dr Brian McNamee of CSL Limited received the award for creating and adding value to key intellectual property in the field of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Human papillomaviruses cause genital warts and cervical cancer," he said.

With the support of CSL Limited, Professor Frazer and his University colleagues developed and patented a method of developing non-infectious "virus-like" particles (VLPs), which provide a unique pathway to developing a safe and effective vaccine against this infection.

Dr McNamee revived, refocused and recently privatised CSL, emphasising support for world-class Australian research. His research and development division supported Professor Frazer's work financially, and also added value to the intellectual property. This technology is the basis of intellectual property now licensed to Merck and Co. (USA) to develop HPV vaccines. VLPs are currently undergoing clinical trials in the USA for preventing HPV disease. Later studies will test the therapeutic potential of VLPs. The technology will be featured, with other CICR work at the Queensland Health and Medical Research Expo, a free event at the Queensland Sciencentre on May 30-31.

Professor Frazer is currently representing the Queensland government in the USA promoting biotechnology at several international conferences. Premier Beattie referred to this award in his speech at the Bio 99 international meeting in Seattle.

This is the second year of the Australian Technology Awards conducted by PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Technology Transactions.

Media: For further information, contact Anton Sanker, telephone 07 3240 5938