Thursday, 28 November, 2013 - 11:52
Biotech sector haunted by 'valley of death'
FEATURE: The state’s biotechnology sector is heating up as investors look for the next wave of investment opportunities amid waning resources investment.
Steve Wilton
Director; Foundation Chair, Molecular Therapy / Perron Institute
Professor Steve Wilton AO is the Perron Institute’s director and holds the Foundation Chair in Molecular Therapy at Murdoch University. Professor Wilton joined the institute in 1991 and with his colleague, Professor Sue Fletcher, pioneered the development of a radically new therapy for the devastating childhood disorder, Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In September 2016, a drug developed in the Perron Institute’s Perth laboratories received accelerated approval by the US Food and Drug Administration, the clinical trials continuing to produce highly positive outcomes.
Prof Wilton’s research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy has been acknowledged through several awards including the 2012 WA Innovator of the Year Award, the 2013 Eureka Prize for Medical Research Translation, the 2014 Labgear Australia Discovery Science Award, and the nomination in 2016 for Western Australian of the Year in the Professions category.
His current research explores the use of similar drug strategies in other diseases including spinal muscular atrophy, cystic fibrosis and Pompe’s disease.
In 2021, Prof Wilton was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to medical research, to neurological science, and to the treatment of Muscular Dystrophy.
