From small discoveries to transformational drug design

Professor Sir David Baulcombe’s and his colleagues’ research in plants led to the ground-breaking discovery of a unique type of biological mechanism. This plays a critical role in how our genes are controlled (gene regulation) and led to drugs that can ‘turn off’ or ‘silence’ disease-causing genes. This includes ones associated with conditions that are difficult or impossible to treat.

While this research started in plants, it has had far-reaching impacts on human health. This includes the production of six therapeutic drugs designed to treat serious genetic disorders, affecting many thousands of patients worldwide.

Professor Baulcombe’s and Dr Hamilton’s research was patented by PBL Technology, and in 2012, the patent was licensed by PBL extensively to the AgBiotech industry and several therapeutic companies, including Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. The patent has since generated over £11 million in licensing income. PBL has funnelled this revenue back into science, innovation and technology investment, helping to support the translation of pioneering life science research.

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