Duke-NUS Awarded $1.85 Million for Chronic Inflammation Research
Duke-NUS Medical School researcher Lena Ho has received $1.85 million to develop microprotein-based therapeutics for chronic inflammation. The funding comes from 65LAB and Duke-NUS' incubator, LIVE Ventures.
Associate Professor Lena Ho at Duke-NUS Medical School has been awarded US$1.85 million to advance research into using microproteins as therapeutic targets for chronic inflammation. The funding is the first from 65LAB, a Singapore-based initiative aimed at fostering scientific advancement and creating new biotechnology ventures.
The award includes US$1.5 million from 65LAB and an additional US$350,000 from Duke-NUS' newly established incubator, LIVE Ventures. Chronic inflammatory diseases affect millions worldwide, including a significant and rising prevalence in Singapore, posing substantial health and economic challenges.
Associate Professor Ho stated the project is developing a platform to identify novel, high-value targets for anti-inflammatory therapeutics, with potential applications in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. 65LAB is a consortium of global investors and life science companies, while LIVE Ventures supports early-stage innovation from Duke-NUS scientists.
The project received unanimous support from 65LAB's partners, highlighting its first-in-class potential for company creation. This collaboration between academia and industry is seen as crucial for accelerating the development and commercialization of new therapies to address critical health issues globally.