Dr. Douglas Fraser named Innovator of the Year
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Dr. Doug Fraser, Pediatric Critical Care Physician at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and Scientist at Lawson Health Research Institute, quickly sprang into action to begin researching the SARS-CoV-2 virus. As patients started being admitted to LHSC due to COVID-19, Dr. Fraser, who is also an Associate professor of pediatrics at Western University, began a research study and became the first in the world to understand the immune response and several pathophysiological features of the virus. This work led to the critical understanding of how the virus was impacting patients and revealing potential avenues for therapy.
By early April of 2020, a “COVID-19 Therapy” patent application was filed. This was only the first of four COVID-19 related patent applications that were to come over the next several months through Dr. Fraser’s work. These patent applications cover both metabolomic and protein markers for accurate diagnoses and prognosis, as well as outcome predictions of COVID-19. They also identify promising therapeutic targets based on evidence.
Even with a number of COVID-19 research projects underway, Dr. Fraser has continued his groundbreaking work in the area of traumatic brain injury. This resulted in the identification of several protein-based biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of concussion. It also led to a provisional patent application being filed and an exclusive license agreement with Canadian biotech company NeuroLytixs.
As a result of his outstanding advancements, WORLDiscoveries, the technology transfer and business development office for Western, Lawson and Robarts Research Institute, has announced that Dr. Douglas Fraser has been awarded as Innovator of the Year for the 2021 Vanguard Awards.
The Vanguard Awards recognize local researchers who, through partnership with WORLDiscoveries, have achieved market readiness milestones. The innovator award is given to individuals who demonstrate excellence in innovation within their field and highlights the achievements of those who contribute the culture of commercialization and entrepreneurship by creating a product or service that is beneficial to society.
Congratulations to Dr. Fraser and all of the 2021 Vanguard Award Recipients.
Read More about Dr. Fraser's work here:
Scientist
