Obiettivo
This project was concerned with the modification of a micro-manipulation device known as a 'sonic sword' currently employed in the In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) field in order to improve efficiency of the patch clamp used for pharmaceutical and neuro physiological applications. In particular the expected key benefits to be gained by the EU community were as follows:
- reduced R&D time scales in the screening and testing of new drugs by European pharmaceutical companies, thus providing competitive advantage
- faster availabality of new drugs
- improved methods and standards of neuro physiological research - particularly for important ecological studies such as the effects of pollutants on marine animals
- a reduction in animal testing
- improved market share of the important US micromanipulator market currently dominated by Japanese manufacturers
- faster drug availability and treatments for patients.
Despite one technical shortcoming (which might yet be resolved) the project was reported as a great success. Extensive efforts were made to demonstrate and disseminate the results of the study on a global basis. Feedback from major pharmaceutical companies was very encouraging. The collaboration between the UK originator with micromanipulating instrument skills and German expertise in optical microscopy and electro-medical instruments was crucially important to the success of the project. It is unlikely that a similar combination of skills could have been found in a single member state.
Campo scientifico
Parole chiave
Argomento(i)
Invito a presentare proposte
Data not availableMeccanismo di finanziamento
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinatore
TR10 9DG PENRYN
Regno Unito