Heng-Phon Too
Faculty & Department
Education
Doctor of Philosophy, University of London, United Kingdom
Bachelor of Science Hons Class 2A, University of London, United Kingdom
Bio
My laboratory is focused on Cell-based Technologies (gene delivery and cell-based production of high value biologics) and Bioanalytics (microRNA diagnostics). We have commercialization grants from SMART, A*STAR, NHIC and NUHS to develop deep technology spin-offs.We have previously developed a highly robust and sensitive technology to detect microRNA and has discovered novel biomarkers for oncology and other indications, serving as liquid biopsy. This has been licensed by the local start-up, MiRXES Pte Ltd. Currently, we are on a commercialization path to apply a technology to introduce therapeutic genes into stem cells without the need to use viruses. We have shown success in using this for oncology therapies in companion animals and preclinical studies are underway for human use. The third technology segment involves the metabolic engineering of cells for the production of high value biologics. We have developed new ways to harness cellular control systems that has enabled high yield of these products. The convergence of these technologies has provided platforms that continues to evolve and diversify
Contact Information
(Description of research programmes) I have completed my commitment to co-chair the Chemical & Pharmaceutical Engineering (CPE)/SMA.(Description of accomplishments) we have a few IP filings with MIT on the development of a prokarytoic strain that can produce high amounts of biopharmaceuticals and 2 more on similar area from NUS. 2 of these patents have entered National Phase in the US.We have filed a patent on TraFen (a novel reagent for gene-drug therapy) with A*STAR and has entered the National Phase. NUS owns 60% of the IP.Together with a number of NUHS clinicians and ASTAR, we have filed 2 patents, one on gastric cancer and other on heart failure detection by microRNA.I am the founder of MiRXES, a microRNA centric spin off from ASTAR. The IP is fully assigned to NUS ILO, although all funding and commercialization were strictly by ASTAR.