Professor Paola Giunti wins Creating Impact Through Knowledge Exchange Award

The award for Impactful Partnership with Industry is part of the Creating Impact through Knowledge Exchange Awards 2025. It recognises UCL collaborations with industry partners that have delivered significant impact, went to Professor Paola Giunti, who’s partnered with Reata Pharmaceuticals, now Biogen, to deliver the first FDA-approved treatment for Friedreich’s Ataxia, a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder. Paola provided crucial scientific expertise to validate the drug, Omaveloxolone, enabling a global clinical trial where UCL served as the UK’s sole trial site.

The collaboration addressed numerous challenges, from refining lab models to ensuring patient involvement throughout the research and trial process. It also provided valuable insights into the health economics of treating rare diseases, culminating in the presentation of findings at the European Parliament.

The partnership also led to the establishment of the Ataxia Centre London, recognised as a Centre of Excellence by the US National Ataxia Foundation. This centre integrates cutting-edge research with clinical care, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

At the Translational Research Office, we have been really proud to help nurture relationships like the one with Paola and industry partners, driving meaningful advances in therapeutic innovations and ultimately improve the lives of patients.

It is an excellent example of how partnerships bridging academia and industry can drive meaningful advances in understanding rare diseases and ultimately improve the lives of patients.

This project is supported by Dr Nicola Ridgway, Senior Business and Innovation Manager, and Dr Asha Recino, Research Networks and Partnerships Manager, at UCL Translational Research Office.

Read the full news story.

Photo credit: Lucy Pope

Links

• Professor Giunti's academic profile
• Ataxia Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology
• UCL Queen Square of Neurology
• UCL Innovation and Enterprise

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