March 17-18, 2005

ITEM 126-1006-R0305:  Approval of University System/Employee Joint Venture Under MUSP 407; The University of Montana-Missoula

THAT: In accordance with Montana University System Policy 407, the Board of Regents of Higher Education authorizes The University of Montana-Missoula to enter into agreements for use on University facilities and a licensing arrangement for intellectual property developed by University employees Michael Kavanaugh, John Gerdes, Sean Esslinger, David Poulsen, and Richard Bridges. The agreements will be between the University and a Montana corporation (Transynaptic Technologies), in which the above named University employees have a significant financial interest.

 

EXPLANATION: These University employees, from the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, have and are developing novel chemical compounds which target neurotransmitters, which mediate virtually all signaling in the brain. The new molecules these researchers are developing specifically target glutamate transporters; controlling these transporters has great potential applications for treating Alzheimer's Disease, schizophrenia, and other neurological disorders.

The license, perpetual and worldwide, would contain provisions for The University of Montana to receive a fees and royalties, based on a percentage of gross revenues realized from commercial applications. The license will contain a standard diligence clause stating that The University of Montana may terminate if Transynaptic Technologies does not proceed in a timely fashion to exploit commercially the rights granted in the license. Inasmuch as this is a new start-up company without facilities, it may wish to negotiate agreements with The University of Montana for rental of laboratory space and certain scientific equipment, under terms and conditions that are consistent with University policy and Montana State law. Once the company is established it will obtain suitable facilities elsewhere, such as in MonTEC.

Granting this license and allowing negotiations for rental of University facilities will provide opportunities for commercialization of these valuable and useful chemical compounds. The license agreement for patent rights will include license fees, provisions for reimbursement of patent costs and royalties on sales of products to the University. Furthermore, it will allow these scientists to develop the company as a new, profitable Montana venture and will set an example for other entrepreneurs from the University looking for opportunities for commercial use of their innovations and creations. The University will incur no cost for this agreement. This agreement will assist in the formation and growth of a new small business for Montana and will establish goodwill with University employees.

 

ATTACHMENTS: Joint Venture Submission Form