Success Stories
Potential Treatment for Scleroderma
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Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease where collagen builds up on the skin and internal organs, frequently leading to organ failure and death. Current treatments can delay the progression of the disease but do not resolve the underlying autoimmune disorder. Doctors Arnold Postlethwaite and Andrew Kang at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) have pioneered a new method that has the potential to stop the disease. This new discovery has been licensed to arGentis Pharmaceuticals, LLC for additional product development and introduction to the market.
Better Diapers make Happier Babies
Do you remember the disposable diapers of old, where leaks and skin chafing were common? A unique, stretchable fabric mechanism developed at The University of Tennessee solved those problems. It was licensed to Tredegar Film Products, a global leader in elastics innovation for use in personal care applications, including baby diapers and adult incontinence products. Soft and latex free, the material has been used in over 20 billion disposable diapers worldwide.
Fighting Obesity with Nutrients Found in Food
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Most people have heard by now that increased calcium intake from dairy foods has been shown to reduce obesity when combined with a healthy diet. But what they may not know is that discovery was made through research done at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Michael Zemel from UT’s Department of Nutrition has found that certain foods contain anti-obesity properties. This discovery is the focus of two patents and licensing rights granted to a multi-national food conglomerate and a major U. S. food trade association for promotion in the market. Dr. Zemel has also started a new company www.innutria.com based on his discoveries. NDI recently announced an agreement with Attitude Drinks to develop and introduce a new dairy beverage with enhanced metabolic effects.
Faster Diagnosis of Infections
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Discoveries by Dr. Preston Dorsett at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center led to the development of a novel test to detect the rubella virus specific antibodies in humans, and the test was licensed to Becton Dickenson. Viral Antigens, Inc., was founded to manufacture the test kits, and went on to establish itself as a leader in supplying high-quality antigens and diagnostic kits. Meridian Bioscience, Inc. acquired Viral Antigens in 2000, and there are now over 30 products for the human and veterinary biotechnology industries distributed under the Viral Antigens brand.
Innovative Brake Lights that Save Lives
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Rear-end collisions cause more property damage and more injuries than any other type of auto accident in the United States, accounting for more than two million annual auto accidents in the U.S. Recognizing this issue, a group of UT MBA/engineering students and faculty members partnered with local entrepreneur, Mike Carroll, to develop the SAFElight “smart-brake” to save lives, decrease injuries and reduce the staggering financial costs associated with rear-end collisions. SAFElight works by utilizing patented accelerometer technology to trigger bursts of super-bright LED light to alert following drivers of emergency braking. Learn more at www.safelightstore.com
