Imagine a world where a simple cream could reverse the damage caused by sun exposure, potentially reducing the risk of skin cancer. This vision may soon become a reality, thanks to the groundbreaking work of UVA Health dermatologist Dr. Carolyn Lee. Lee is developing a unique lotion designed to transform sun-damaged precancerous skin cells back into normal cells, which then naturally exfoliate from the skin surface.
While existing treatments for precancerous skin conditions often lead to discomfort, such as swelling and redness, Lee’s innovation aims to offer a gentler alternative. “What we envision is that people will periodically treat themselves with a cream that safely gets rid of precancerous cells and does not lead to an obvious or painful inflammatory response,” Lee explained.
Lee is set to present her innovative idea alongside seven fellow University of Virginia researchers in a competition reminiscent of the television show “Shark Tank.” This event, known as “SPARK Tank,” will feature pitches of serious medical advancements rather than consumer products. Lee’s presentation is titled “Development of novel RET inhibitors for topical skin cancer prevention.”
Securing funding for research is often a challenge, particularly in the transitional phase between initial discovery and market readiness. Mark Esser, chief scientific officer and head of the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology, refers to this gap as the “translational valley of death.” Esser, who will judge the SPARK Tank event, emphasized the importance of bridging this gap: “Our mission is simply to transform science into medicines. Because our patients are waiting.”
The Manning Institute is determined to accelerate the process of drug discovery and development, aiming to reduce the typical timeline from seven or eight years to just two or three. Esser noted that their approach is inspired by the SPARK model developed at Stanford University. Instead of following traditional academic structures, the institute will organize its efforts around specific diseases.
The SPARK Tank event, taking place from noon to 4 p.m. in the School of Medicine’s Claude Moore Medical Education Auditorium, has narrowed down over 40 entries to eight finalists. Generous funding of $250,000 is available to support these promising UVA projects, with potential for further investment.
Beyond the competition, the Manning Institute will continue to support UVA’s researchers and scientists in tackling some of the most challenging medical issues. The institute will provide resources and mentorship to help bridge the gap from research to practical application.
Dr. Lee is preparing to deliver her pitch in accessible language, focusing on the potential impact of her research on patient care. “As a clinician-scientist, I sort of have a foot in both realms,” she said. She likened freezing cancerous spots to picking one dandelion out of a lawn, which is effective for isolated cases but impractical for widespread issues. Her cream could be the solution for treating numerous precancerous cells simultaneously.
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