The Catapult Program is a tailored technology maturation pipeline which enables targeted and progressive business, legal, regulatory, and technical development. Engagement with the program introduces team members to industry best practices and expands their network within UW-Madison and the greater Madison entrepreneurial ecosystem. It also engages the team with the Institute’s Industry Consortium partners, enabling opportunities for sponsored projects and collaborations.
Current Catapult Projects
Click through to see specific project descriptions, development team members, citations and intellectual property positions, and status by development track.
Scaffold technology for large scale tissue repair
Plant-derived scaffolds have significant potential to serve as effective, affordable, and scalable platforms for manufacture of tissue repair products. Adaptable and highly effective, these platforms leverage the microfeatures and vascular networks native to plant materials to facilitate the manufacture of complex engineered tissues. Researchers at UW-Madison are developing plant-derived tissue scaffolds as a means to treat complex wounds. These unique materials are also being examined for their potential to support in vitro culture of functional skeletal muscle tissue.
Photo Credit: Gianluca Fontana
Hau Le, MD (leh@surgery.wisc.edu)
Bill Murphy, PhD (wlmurphy@wisc.edu) The Murphy Laboratory
Sabrina Brounts, DVM, PhD (sabrina.brounts@wisc.edu)
Kate Barteau, PhD (barteau@wisc.edu )
- Gershlak et al. 2017. Crossing Kingdoms: Using Decellularized Plants as Perfusable Tissue Engineering Scaffolds. Biomaterials. 125, 13-22
- Fontana et al. 2017. Biofunctionalized Plants as Diverse Biomaterials for Human Cell Culture. Advanced Healthcare Materials. 6(8), 2192-2640
- WO/2017/160862, Published 21 September 2017, Functionalization of Plant Tissues for Human Cell Expansion
- US Application #16/085220, Filed 14 March 2017
Endogenous signal-based cell enrichment for immunotherapy
To improve the fidelity of quality assessments, process optimization, and thorough product characterization prior to clinical development of cell-based therapies, researchers at UW-Madison and the Morgridge Institute for Research have developed a label-free, non-destructive optical detection approach to quantify overall cell state, viability, and activation with single-cell resolution. Applied to Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, this non-destructive, optical interrogation method can provide real-time, in-line assessment of the manufacturing process, facilitating the generation of a cell product with enhanced function and therapeutic efficacy.
Image courtesy of Melissa Skala
Melissa Skala, PhD (mskala@morgridge.org) The Skala Laboratory
Andrea Schiefelbein (aschiefelbein@morgridge.org)
Emmanuel Contreras Guzman (econtrerasguzman@morgridge.org)
Dan Pham (dlpham@wisc.edu)
- Walsh et al. 2020. Classification of T-Cell Activation via Autofluorescence Lifetime Imaging. Nat Biomed Eng. 10.1038
- Walsh et al. 2019. Label-free Method for Classification of T cell Activation. bioRxiv. 536813
- US Application #16/554327, Filed 28 August 2019
- WIPO Application #US2019048616, Filed 28 August 2019
Exosome-mediated therapy for acute radiation syndrome
Exosome educated macrophages (EEM) demonstrate reparative and regenerative properties suitable for treating disease states resulting from unchecked inflammatory responses and/or direct tissue damage. By promoting hematopoietic recovery, as well as tissue repair and regeneration, EEM therapy has the potential to ameliorate multiple conditions including the damage to hematologic, gastrointestinal, cutaneous, cardiovascular and central nervous systems resulting from excessive radiation exposure. In addition to treating acute radiation syndrome, EEM is also being examined for potential use as a therapy for myocardial infarction and orthopedic applications.
Image courtesy of Peiman Hematti / Christian Capitini
Peiman Hematti, MD (pxh@medicine.wisc.edu) The Hematti Laboratory
Christian Capitini, MD (ccapitini@pediatrics.wisc.edu) The Capitini Laboratory
John Kink, PhD (jakink@uwcarbone.wisc.edu)
Matthew Forsberg, PhD (mhforsberg@wisc.edu)
IIT: Lucas Klemm, Aicha Quamine, Aaron Simmons
- Kink et al. 2019. Macrophages Educated with Exosomes from Primed Mesenchymal Stem Cells Treat Acute Radiation Syndrome by Promoting Hematopoietic Recovery. Biol. Blood Marrow Transplant. 25(11):2124-2133
- Chamberlain et al. 2019. Extracellular Vesicle-Educated Macrophages Promote Early Achilles Tendon Healing. Stem Cells. 37(5):652-662
- US Application #16/273712, Filed 12 February 2019
- US Patent 10,166,254, Issued 1 January 2019, Use of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-educated Macrophages to Treat and Prevent Graft Versus Host Disease and Radiation-induced Injury
Coated microcarriers for serum-free human cell manufacturing
To enable reliable, consistent, large scale cell culture necessary for advancing clinical assessment, and commercial availability of cell-based therapies researchers have engineered a first-in-the-field synthetic, chemically defined, and tailorable microparticle for commercial scale cell culture applications. The surface chemistry of the microparticles enables user-defined functionalization with growth factors, eliminating the need for xenogenic serum proteins, while supporting enzyme-free cell harvesting to preserve cell functionality and differentiation potential downstream of expansion, ideal of hMSC clinical applications.
Image courtesy of John Krutty
Padma Gopalan, PhD (pgopalan@wisc.edu) The Gopalan Laboratory
Bill Murphy, PhD (wlmurphy@wisc.edu) The Murphy Laboratory
Carl Ross (carlross@wisc.edu)
John Krutty, PhD (krutty@wisc.edu)
- Krutty et al. 2019. Synthetic, Chemically Defined Polymer-Coated Microcarriers for the Expansion of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Macromol Biosci. 1800299
- Schmitt et al. 2016. Peptide Conjugation to a Polymer Coating via Native Chemical Ligation of Azlactones for Cell Culture. Biomacromolecules. 17(3):1040-1047
- US Patent 9,777,185, Issued 3 October 2017, Azlactone Based Thermally Crosslinkable Polymer Coating for Controlling Cell Behavior
Cancer immunotherapy via intra-tumoral delivery
To overcome the hurdle of biologics instability and effective controlled release profiles, UW investigators have developed a nanostructured mineral material to both stabilize biologics against extreme external stressors, such as proteases, as well as provide tunable degradation kinetics for sustained therapeutic release. Applied to intertumoral cytokine delivery, the mineralized microparticle delivery platform substantially expands the utility of immunotherapy by providing a single vehicle compatible with custom functionalization across numerous therapeutic biomolecules, while also providing significant improvements in in vivo therapeutic stability.
Image courtesy of William Murphy
Bill Murphy, PhD (wlmurphy@wisc.edu) The Murphy Laboratory
Zachary Morris, MD, PhD (zmorris@ humonc.wisc.edu) The Morris Laboratory
Mark Albertini, MD (mralbert@wisc.edu)
Hannah Martin (hlmartin4@wisc.edu)
- Hellenbrand et al. 2019. Sustained Interleukin-10 Delivery Reduces Inflammation and Improves Motor Function After Spinal Cord Injury. J Neuroinflammation. 16(1):1-19
- Clements et al. 2018. Microparticles Locally Deliver Active Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist In Vivo. Adv Healthc Mater. 7(16):1-8
- US Application #19/358344, Filed 22 May 2019
- WO/2019/010304, Published 10 January 2019, Mineral Coated Microparticles for Gene Delivery in Chronic Wound Therapy
Human cell and tissue screening to treat brain disease
Cellular aggregates that recapitulate the composition, organization, and function of human tissues offer a sustainable, alternative to animal testing. To address the challenges of poor reproducibility and limited scalability, UW-Madison researchers have developed fully-defined, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel scaffolds that support consistent generation of these organoid tissues. Designed with modular chemistry, the user can precisely incorporate defined bioactive components, allowing for the synthesis of a versatile, scalable tissue culture matrix supporting a diverse array of human organ models for safety and toxicity testing.
Image courtesy of William Murphy
James Thomson, VMD, PhD (jthomson@morgridge.org) The Thomson Laboratory
Bill Murphy, PhD (wlmurphy@wisc.edu) The Murphy Laboratory
Elizabeth Aisenbray, PhD (eaisenbrey@wisc.edu)
- Barry et al. 2017. Uniform 3D Vascularized Neural Tissues Produced on Synthetic Hydrogels Using Standard Culture Techniques. Ex Biol Med. 242(17):1679-1689
- Schwartz et al. 2015. Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neural Constructs for Predictive Neurotoxicity. PNAS. 112(40):12516-21
- US Application #16/831017, Filed 26 March 2020
- WO/2016/109813, Published 25 August 2016, Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Models for Predictive Developmental Neural Toxicity
Protein binding devices to tailor autologous biologics
Autologous biologics contain a mileau of powerful signaling molecules that could be used to treat human disease. However, they also contain a number of molecules that can have a negative influence on healing processes. Researchers have developed a means to deleterious molecules from autologous biologics, and thereby improve their likelihood of achieving widespread safety and efficacy in orthopedic applications.
Image courtesy of William Murphy
Bill Murphy, PhD (wlmurphy@wisc.edu) The Murphy Laboratory
Jae Sung Lee, PhD (lee283@wisc.edu)
IIT: Joshua Choe
- Belair et al. 2016. Regulating VEGF Signaling in Platelet Concentrates via Specific VEGF Sequestering. Biomaterials Science. 4: 819-825
- Belair et al. 2013. Specific VEGF Sequestering to Biomaterials: Influence of Serum Stability. Acta Biomaterialia. 9: 8823–8831
- US Patent #10,183,079, Issued 22 January 2019. Hydrogel Spheres Containing Peptide Ligands for Growth Factor Regulation in Blood Products
Biomimetic grafts engineered for vascular reconstruction
UW researchers have developed biocompatible, antithrombogenic vascular grafts made of ePTFE with a confluent layer of immunoreaction-free endothelial cells to generate artificial small diameter blood vessels (SDBV). This breakthrough can serve as an alternative to autologous vascular grafts for patients with severe coronary artery disease where invasive procedures and insufficient graft availability preclude autologous vessel use. SDBV overcome the limitations of thrombogenicity and restenosis that would normally be associated with small-diameter vascular grafts, and enables a new therapeutic approach for cardiovascular disease treatment.
Image courtesy of Tom Turng
Lih-Sheng (Tom) Turng, PhD (turng@engr.wisc.edu) The Turng Laboratory
Zhutong Li (kzli572@wisc.edu)
Stefanie Glas (sglas@wisc.edu)
Chenglong Yu (cyu256@wisc.edu)
IIT: Hannah Martin
- Wang et al. 2020. Biologically Functionalized Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Blood Vessel Grafts. Biomacromolecules. 21(9):3807–3816
- Wang et al. 2020. Expanded Poly(tetrafluoroethylene) Blood Vessel Grafts with Embedded Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Responsive Antithrombogenic Drug for Elimination of Thrombosis. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. 12(26):29844–29853
- US Application #16/744505, Filed 16 January 2020
- US Application #16/426192, Filed 30 May 2019
Multicell conjugates for antigen-specific T cell responses
Born of research into how innate T lymphocytes contribute to immune responses, and how these cells may be used therapeutically to treat or prevent disease, recent advances by UW innovators have identified a highly immunostimulatory complex of immune cells that shows considerable promise as a novel cancer immunotherapy. Translating this discovery into a readily-available treatment option is the focus of this new project.
Image from WARF Innovation Award Presentation
Jenny Gumperz, PhD (jegumperz@wisc.edu) The Gumperz Laboratory
Dana Baiu, PhD (dcbaiu@wisc.edu)
IIT: Sophie Mancha
Platform to develop human cells for neurodegenerative therapy
Capitalizing on advances in controlling human pluripotent stems cells, research groups at UW-Madison have developed fully defined, synthetic hydrogel scaffolds with modular chemistry to precisely direct cell differentiation. These scaffolds have been used to successfully derive 3D self-assembling, multicellular, biomimetic in vitro systems representing a transformative opportunity to develop personalized treatments ranging from new companion diagnostics technologies to in vitro synthesis of patient-derived cell therapies for neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions.
Image courtesy of William Murphy
James Thomson, VMD, PhD (jthomson@morgridge.org) The Thomson Laboratory
Bill Murphy, PhD (wlmurphy@wisc.edu) The Murphy Laboratory
Elizabeth Aisenbray, PhD (eaisenbrey@wisc.edu)
- Barry et al. 2017. Uniform 3D Vascularized Neural Tissues Produced on Synthetic Hydrogels Using Standard Culture Techniques. Ex Biol Med. 242(17):1679-1689
- Schwartz et al. 2015. Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neural Constructs for Predictive Neurotoxicity. PNAS. 112(40):12516-21
- US Application #16/831017, Filed 26 March 2020
- WO/2016/109813, Published 25 August 2016, Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Models for Predictive Developmental Neural Toxicity
Novel non-viral CAR T therapy for treatment of sarcomas
Researchers at UW-Madison have employed novel CRISPR genome editing strategies to facilitate the flexible and scalable manufacture of clinically-relevant, high-quality Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cells. This non-viral approach to CAR T cell therapy has the potential to improve product consistency, eliminate reliance on animal-derived materials, and reduce the cost of this class of cutting-edge therapeutics.
Image courtesy of Kris Saha
Kris Saha, PhD (ksaha@wisc.edu) The Saha Laboratory
Christian Capitini, MD (ccapitini@pediatrics.wisc.edu) The Capitini Laboratory
Matthew Forsberg, PhD (mhforsberg@wisc.edu)
Lei Shi, PhD (lxs@medicine.wisc.edu)
Katie Mueller (kmueller22@wisc.edu)
Dan Cappabianca (dcappabianca@wisc.edu)
Lauren Sarko (sarko@wisc.edu)
IIT: Laura Muehlbauer
- Mueller et al. 2021. CRISPR-mediated Insertion of a Chimeric Antigen Receptor Produces Nonviral T Cell Products Capable of Inducing Solid Tumor Regression. bioRxiv 2021.08.06.455489
Exited Catapult Projects
Mineral coated microparticles; a platform for biologics delivery
Emerging biologics tend to lose biological activity due to their fragile structural conformation during formulation, storage, and delivery. This inability to stabilize and effectively release biologics from controlled-release depots represents a major obstacle in drug delivery. UW investigators have developed a bone mineral-inspired stabilization and controlled release strategy, using nanostructured mineral materials to maintain the molecular conformational structure of biologics exposed to extreme external stressors.
Image accessed from dianomitx.com
Bill Murphy, PhD (wlmurphy@wisc.edu) The Murphy Laboratory
- Clements et al. 2018. Addition of Mineral Coated Microparticles to Soluble Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Injected Subcutaneously Improves and Extends Systemic Interleukin-1 Inhibition. Advanced Therapeutics, 1(7):1800048
- Yu et al. 2017. Nanostructured Mineral Coatings Stabilize Proteins for Therapeutic Delivery. Advanced Materials. 29(33):10.1002
- US Patent 9,951,374, Issued 24 April 2018, Enhanced Throughput Mineral Coatings for Optimization of Stem Cell Behavior
This project has successfully exited Catapult, with IP being licensed to Dianomi Therapeutics for further development.
Genome editing-based therapeutic for inherited retinal disease
To better realize the tremendous potential of gene therapy to revolutionize personalized healthcare, UW Madison researchers have developed two novel encapsulation technology platforms capable of delivering a suite of gene therapy payload, such as CRISPR-Cas9 complexes, DNA, and mRNA, circumventing the safety and efficacy concerns surrounding industry-standard viral vectors. These nanocarriers can be synthesized to both target specific cell types of interest, and safely deliver gene editing payloads that employ patient-specific guide RNA to specifically edit the mutated allele without measurable toxicity to the edited cells.
Image courtesy of Sarah Gong
Krishanu Saha, PhD (ksaha@wisc.edu) The Saha Laboratory
Shaoqin (Sarah) Gong, PhD (sgong@engr.wisc.edu) The Gong Laboratory
- Chen et al. 2019. A Biodegradable Nanocapsule Containing a CRISPR-Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein Enables Efficient In Vivo Genome Editing. Nature Nanotechnology. 14, 974–980
- Wang et al. 2018. Versatile Redox-Responsive Polyplexes for the Delivery of Plasmid DNA, Messenger RNA, and CRISPR-Cas9 Genome-Editing Machinery. ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces. 10(38), 31915-31927
- US Application #16/251970, Filed 18 January 2019
- US Application #16/008376, Filed 20 December 2018
A hydrogel device for efficient allogeneic tissue transfer
Challenges related to precise tissue transplantation during Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty led to the development of a hyaluronic acid hydrogel to aid in surgical placement of this allogeneic tissue to replace damaged or compromised corneal endothelium. The self-folding hydrogel reduces physical manipulation and provides hydration support for endothelial cells. By preventing endothelial damage and counteracting the tissue’s propensity to deform during surgery, this product is projected to result in faster healing times, with resultant improvement in contrast acuity.
Image courtesy of Neal Barney / William Murphy
Neal Barney, MD (npbarney@wisc.edu) The Barney Laboratory
Bill Murphy, PhD (wlmurphy@wisc.edu) The Murphy Laboratory