Recent News
New Chair for Neopec Board
15 May 2011
The Neopec board has appointed Ms Rebecca James, CEO of Research Australia and long-term Neopec board member, to the position of Chair of Neopec, following the resignation of Mrs Gillian Franklin from that role. MS James has many years experience in the health sector, having been an adviser to the then Minister for Health, Tony Abbott, for several years. Ms James is also a board member of the Breast Cancer Network of Australia, an important stakeholder for Neopec.
Mrs Franklin’s resignation was accepted with regret by the Neopec board, which noted her long term selfless service to the company. Mrs Franklin was one of the first of Neopec’s directors and has worked tirelessly since the company was established. The Neopec board currently has four members – Ms James, Professor Wayne Morrison (co-founder and co-inventor of the Neopec technology), Dr Owen Crees and Dr Lyndal Thorburn (both of whom were appointed in October 2011)
Cogentum completes surgeons’ study
16 May 2011
Neopec partner company Cogentum Pty Ltd has completed a wide-ranging market research study into the attitudes of plastic surgeons to the currently available treatment options for breast reconstruction.
The study surveyed 100 surgeons, of which 61 were in the US and 39 in Australia, via an in-depth quantitative online survey supplemented by selected qualitative interviews. The purpose of the marketing research study was to ensure that the needs and views of Plastic Surgeons with regard to improving outcomes for breast reconstruction are understood and included in both the development of the Neopec solution and its business plan.
The results of the survey validated Neopec’s own estimation of the attractiveness of the Neopec product, as being developed, in comparison to existing breast reconstruction techniques such as TRAM flap surgery and breast implants. The surgeons were very positive about the potential for regenerative technologies such as Neopec to provide great health advancements in the future and to provide better outcomes for their patients.
New Managing Director
31 March 2011
Neopec’s founding CEO, Dr Peter Mountford, has left the company. Dr Lyndal Thorburn, a current non-executive director, will step in as Managing Director. Dr Thorburn has many years’ experience running start-up companies and advising on technology commercialisation. She is a former Telstra Businesswoman of the Year (business owner category) for the ACT and was also a national finalist in those awards in 2004. Dr Thorburn is experienced in capital raising. She was formerly Managing Director of life sciences professional advisory firm, Innovation Dynamics Pty Ltd.
“Cook for a Cure” To Support O’Brien Research into Breast Cancer
The O'Brien Institute has announced its involvement in a Cook for a Cure, a nationwide community event, launched by well-known chef and author, Maggie Beer, for Research Australia.
By cooking and sharing a healthy meal, Cook for a Cure, allows Australians to select and support medical research into new cures and treatments in areas such as breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and asthma.
The O’Brien Institute (OBI), well known for its expertise in microsurgery, has in recent years turned its attention to furthering research into regenerative medicine and tissue regeneration.
OBI’s work in breast tissue regeneration is the only breast cancer-related project in a group of 15 projects highlighted under the Cook for a Cure campaign banner.
Professor Wayne Morrison, Director of the Institute, says "Cook for a Cure is a ground-breaking initiative which will provide a focus for the community to generate much needed medical research funds."
"Funding raised through Cook for a Cure will help the O’Brien Institute to extend its research in tissue regeneration and to progress the application of our research to women who have had mastectomy," he said.
With the funding raised by Cook for a Cure OBI will employ a senior research scientist to speed its research effort and ultimately the realisation of a new approach to breast reconstruction.
Those interested in supporting the initiative are urged to register an event (e.g. a meal or less formal event with friends, family or work colleagues), through the website at www.cookforacure.com.au during August and September. A host kit for Cook for a Cure events can be downloaded to assist in the organisation of the event and invitations can be uploaded and sent via the website to friends, family and work colleagues.
Background
Cook for a Cure is a new nationwide community event launching in August 2011. Cook for a Cure brings together leading Australian researchers under a single umbrella, making it easier for donors to identify the cause they wish to support, and to donate to a research program by some of Australia’s leading researchers.
The O'Brien Institute is currently part of the Neopec consortium, which is being funded by a Victorian government grant under Victoria’s Science Agenda. The other partners in the consortium are the University of Melbourne, VTEC Pty Ltd, Anatomics Pty Ltd, Cogentum Pty Ltd and Neopec Pty Ltd (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Institute). The project continues though to mid 2012.
Media Enquiries: Prof Wayne Morrison 03 9288 4018