The aim of the CRC-BT is to develop antibodies directed against therapeutic and diagnostic targets (biomarkers) present on cells that play a key role in major diseases, including autoimmune disease (especially rheumatoid arthritis) and cancers (haematological, colorectal, breast and prostate). The market size for the therapeutic use of monoclonal antibodies to treat various diseases has increased dramatically over the pass years. The leading products in this field are achieving commercial sales in excess of AU$4B per annum. These market increases can only but serve as an indication that supported research towards the development of these monoclonal antibodies has the high potential of achieving commercial success through both sales and the reduction of costs in the management of these diseases.
These changes may have a positive impact on the CRC-BT in meeting its objectives when the program moves towards commercialisation. The ability to either license or raise capital to increase the inherit value of its own intellectual property may become easier as the anticipated return on investment increases.
The CRC-BT Education Programme has several support nodes ranging from Ph.D. doctoral students and in descending order; MBA/MBB, Honours, B.Sc. Vacational scholarships and secondary school (years 9-12) outreach programme. There are also facilities for CRC-BT students and staff to gain support for conference attendance. All members of the CRC-BT have equal access to funds for PhD scholarships, Honours scholarships, Vacational scholarships and conference attendance support.
