School of Chemistry research has led to the formation of multiple spin-out companies
The School of Chemistry promotes and assists with the formation of spin-out companies around key areas of technology expertise, leading to the formation of sustainable businesses which contribute to the economic activity of the region and the UK as a whole.
We also help companies looking to "spin-in" - SMEs which are interested in relocating to the University or the surrounding area to take advantage of our technical and commercial skills, office and lab resources and experience.
School of Chemistry staff have been involved in the following spin-out companies:
Alevin Therapeutics
Alevin Therapeutics, is a cutting-edge biotechnology spin-out company founded in 2022 by Tom McInally, Prof. Chris Moody and Dr. Alison John of the University of Nottingham. Alevin’s focus is the development of a platform of novel small molecule RGD integrin inhibitors with superior drug-like qualities. These compounds have broad therapeutic applications for diseases with high unmet clinical need such as fibrosis (in particular idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis), liver and kidney disease, and cancer.
Since its foundation, Alevin has secured significant investment from venture capital funds and the University of Nottingham’s Invention Fund, and has been recognised for its ground breaking work as a winner of the Best Biotech Startup Company at the OBN Awards and highlighted as a Start-up of the Year at the Cambridge Independent Science and Technology Awards.
CellAura Technologies
CellAura Technologies was a spin out company from the University of Nottingham: combining world-renowned expertise in the fields of synthetic medicinal chemistry (Prof. Barrie Kellam), molecular pharmacology (Prof. Steve Hill) and photochemistry (Prof. Mike George), CellAura produced high quality fluorescent G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) ligands for use in molecular pharmacology and imaging at the single cell level.
Chairing the board of directors, Prof. Trevor Farren led the company through two investment rounds, before CellAura’s assets were acquired by HelloBio in 2013. HelloBio continue to develop and sell CellAura fluorescent ligands, and you can find more about the range here.
Critical Pharmaceuticals
Based on ground-breaking research by Prof Steve Howdle, Critical Pharmaceuticals exploited supercritical fluid technology to formulate drugs and drug candidates within biodegradable polymers for controlled release applications.
Formed in 2002, Critical Pharmaceuticals was the first spin-out company based on the School of Chemistry’s research, and won several awards for innovation. The technology was applied across several commercial opportunities and reached clinical trials, but did not achieve a commercial product. The company was liquidated in 2017 but played a very important role in kickstarting the successful careers of a number of young Nottingham scientists in the biotechnology area.
Prof. Steve Howdle’s supercritical fluid technology continues to have significant impact and he continues to work with industry collaborators to develop sustainable manufacturing processes and improve polymer processing.
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