VivaZome
VivaZome relocates to La Trobe University’s Bio Innovation Hub to advance neuro-inflammatory disease research.
Partnership at a glance
- VivaZome Therapeutics Pty Ltd (VivaZome) is the first biotechnology company to move into La Trobe University’s new Bio Innovation Hub in Bundoora
- The Bio Innovation Hub provides state-of-the-art facilities making it an ideal environment for biotechnology firms to advance their research
- Xenia Sango, CEO and Managing Director at VivaZome, is excited to see how moving into the Bio Innovation Hub manufacturing facilities will accelerate the company’s therapy development
- Through their partnership, VivaZome and La Trobe University aim to develop innovative therapies for stroke, highlighting a shared commitment to improving patient outcomes.
Case study
At VivaZome, an innovative Australian biotechnology company, scientists are working to redefine the treatment of neuro-inflammatory disease using extracellular vesicles (EVs) —nano-sized particles produced by all kinds of cells that easily travel through the body transporting bioactive cargo from one cell to another.
EVs can be thought of as nanoscopic couriers. Their lipid membrane protects a payload of proteins, sugars, and genetic information that instructs targeted recipient cells on what to do.
VivaZome focuses on developing and commercialising EVs with anti-inflammatory characteristics to tackle major health issues such as age-related macular degeneration, post-traumatic epilepsy, and stroke.
"We have demonstrated in pre-clinical studies that our EVs can help reduce inflammation and can reach the brain," says Xenia Sango, CEO and Managing Director at VivaZome.
Close collaboration with academia has propelled VivaZome’s research.
“Six years ago, we partnered with La Trobe University because we were attracted by their extraordinary expertise in extracellular vesicle research,” Sango says. “We knew the partnership would push the boundaries of our research.”
And over time, the partnership between VivaZome and La Trobe University has grown stronger.
VivaZome has secured two, three-year Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) grants, partnering with La Trobe on each program. The second of these CRC-P grants supports the establishment of an EV manufacturing facility at La Trobe’s new Bio Innovation Hub.
We knew the partnership would push the boundaries of our neuro-inflammatory diseases research.
VivaZome is the first biotechnology company to move into the Hub.
“The Bio Innovation Hub provides us with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities that will enable us to produce EV-based products while maintaining high standards and streamlining the development of therapies," Sango says.
“Its strategic location in Bundoora is designed to foster innovation and commercialisation in biotechnology, making it an ideal environment for VivaZome’s advanced research,” she says.
"We chose the Hub because La Trobe University is really at the forefront of this field of research, providing access to top-class collaborators, and critical facilities and equipment facilities."
Through their dynamic partnership, VivaZome and La Trobe University are making significant progress in addressing diseases that have limited treatment options.
“This collaboration is not just about advancing research but about paving the way for innovative therapies that could potentially revolutionise patient outcomes,” Sango says.
“It’s a testament to our shared commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by these challenging conditions.”
Visit VivaZome Therapeutics.
To learn more about the Hub, visit Bio Innovation Hub.
To connect about university partnership opportunities, contact the La Trobe Industry Engagement Enterprise Development team at enterprise.dev@latrobe.edu.au