Ghent-based company Trince wins Nature Spinoff Prize

Ghent-based company Trince won the Spinoff Prize of the scientific journal Nature on Thursday. The Ghent University spin-off won the prize for its research into photoporation, a new and safer method of introducing external molecules into cells. 

The prestigious prize rewards spin-offs that translate research into practical applications with added value for society. The method developed by Trince could be used to treat cancer.

Together with two companies from America and one from the UK, Trince made it to the finals of the 4th edition of the prize, which carries a cash prize of 30,000 dollars. 

Nature praised the company for achieving all the major milestones of a scientific enterprise. "They've built an amazing team, they're open to mentorship and they have the right strategy," said one of the judges.

The new technique could play a key role in the future of cell and gene therapy in the treatment of cancer and genetic diseases. To safely deliver molecules into cells, they are illuminated with short bursts of red laser light.

The technology makes it possible to genetically modify immune cells from the blood of cancer patients to fight cancer cells when reintroduced into the patient's body. Other applications include the genetic modification of stem cells and live cell imaging.

"We are extremely honoured and proud to have won Nature's Spinoff Prize," said professor Kevin Braeckmans, the spin-off's chief scientific officer. "This recognition underlines our team's pioneering work in cell therapy and genetic modification."

^{#FlandersNewsService | © KENZO TRIBOUILLARD / AFP}