Q&A Series: Learn about NCInnovation-Backed Research in Eastern NC
Trailblazing research is underway in eastern North Carolina, backed by NCInnovation
NCInnovation (NCI) provides grant funding and support to university applied researchers working on projects that have commercial promise. Regional Director Derrick Welch leads NCI’s work in eastern North Carolina.
Earlier this year, NCI approved two research grants to incredible faculty at East Carolina University and UNC Wilmington.
We sat down for a brief Q&A with each researcher and Derrick Welch so those interested can learn more about their work in their own words.
Dr. Ying Wang, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Chemistry at UNC Wilmington, received a two-year grant to advance his innovative work on a long-lasting, universal flu vaccine. Dr. Rukiyah Van Dross-Anderson, Ph.D., Professor of Pharmacology at East Carolina University, received a two-year grant to advance a promising new cancer treatment.
By connecting researchers Dr. Van Dross-Anderson and Dr. Wang with funding and support, NCI helps accelerate their research toward commercialization. Read more about this world-class research and its potential to make an impact in North Carolina and globally.
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Can you describe the goal and potential impact of your research?
Dr. Wang: We have the seasonal flu and pandemic flu, which both cause a lot of deaths and a large economic burden every year. We do have a flu vaccine currently, but the average effectiveness is around 50% which is very low, like flipping a coin. Our research is trying to change this. We have designed a molecule that essentially mimics the key part of all the various strains. So, no matter how the virus changes, our vaccine molecule should still elicit immune protection, protecting us against all different viruses and for a longer time. If this is successful, we can get rid of the yearly flu shot and we can save a lot of lives and a lot of economic strain.
Dr. Van Dross-Anderson: The focus of my research is developing agents to treat cancer while causing minimal harm to the patients. We have discovered a small molecule that can kill different types of cancer cells, including melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancer, and colon cancer. We have found that our molecule both kills cancer cells directly and recruits immune cells to the tumor to kill the cancer cell. By developing a successful agent that will eliminate or help to treat cancer, we can prolong the lives of so many people.
How does NCI play a role in advancing your research?
Dr. Wang: The NCI grant helps fill the gap between lab research and clinical application, a stage often referred to as the ‘valley of death’ due to the challenges of securing sufficient funding. With NCI’s support, a researcher can speed up the preclinical phase, bringing the treatment to clinical trials much faster. Typically, reaching the clinical trial phase takes several years, but with NCI funding, we are hopeful to achieve that within two years.
Dr. Van Dross-Anderson: The support from NCI is so valuable. NCI grant funding will allow us to work with companies to perform the experiments that the FDA will require before we can begin trials with patients. This is called the preclinical regulatory phase, which involves partnering with contract research organizations that have the equipment, expertise, and controlled environment required before an innovation can move into clinical trials. These experiments are very, very expensive. By enabling us to work with CROs, NCI support will allow us to do the studies we need to move our product forward towards commercialization.
How can this research help drive economic growth within the region and across North Carolina?
Derrick Welch: These grants will not only support the development of groundbreaking technologies but also contribute to the growth of local biotech firms, job creation, and talent retention in the region. The research projects we’ve funded have the potential to set an example for other states, demonstrating how regional economic development through commercialization of university IP can drive significant advancements and impact on a national and global scale.
Dr. Van Dross-Anderson: By working with North Carolina-based companies to develop these technologies we stimulate the local economy even in the research phase. These companies can stay in business, grow, and hire new employees.
Dr. Wang: With drug or vaccine development, the potential impact is huge. It will be a big job creator because the pharmaceutical industry is an ecosystem. You have the contract research companies, and down the road you have the contract development and manufacturing companies, and the drug filling and packaging company, and more. So, with a successful new drug or new vaccine especially it will really boost the entire ecosystem in the North Carolina.
How do you anticipate this research will make an impact beyond North Carolina?
Derrick Welch: The potential of the technologies being developed is incredibly exciting due to their significant impact on health outcomes and their potential for global reach. Both Dr. Van Dross-Anderson’s cancer treatment and Dr. Wang’s flu vaccine could save lives worldwide, curing cancer and preventing widespread influenza outbreaks in both humans and animals, offering protection from disease within and beyond North Carolina’s borders.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the impact of the research underway in North Carolina will be felt beyond the lab. From improving global health to revitalizing local economies, the ripple effects of these NCI partnerships could change lives for decades to come.
Click here to learn more about NCInnovation’s grant program and fiscally responsible approach to research support.
NCInnovation is 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation focused intensely on accelerating commercialized innovation from North Carolina’s universities. NCInnovation deploys funding, mentors, and support services so that North Carolina university proofs-of-concept turn into companies and create jobs that remain in North Carolina. Learn more at NCInnovation.org.
