This was one of 15 new bioscience technologies unveiled by Trinity College Dublin (TCD) at an event in the university on March 12.

Dr James Callaghan, associate director of Trinity Research and Innovation, said the event was "to show the level of research we have available and to get commercial people and venture capitalists to come and have a look”.

He said there was "no point in just funding third-level research ... we have to be able to take that research and bring it into the market place and that is what we are doing.”

The new aspirin technology is among those which have potential as spin-out companies, he said.

The TCD researchers say they have dealt with the limiting side-effect of gastric bleeding or ulcers, which is linked to prolonged use of aspirin to prevent heart attacks and strokes. The revised form of the drug opens the possibility of a new range of long-term uses for the drug, they say.

Other technologies on display included treatments for septic shock and cardiovascular disease.

The majority of the research has been funded by Science Foundation Ireland, with approximately €3.5 million from Enterprise Ireland.

Dr Callaghan said Trinity was hoping to replicate the success of its former spin-out technology firm Iona and drug development company Opsona, which recently secured €18 million in venture funding.

Dr Keith O’Neill, lifesciences and food commercialisation director at Enterprise Ireland said the research advances would bring relief to patients suffering from life-threatening conditions and bring new jobs and revenues to the economy. (Source: Irish Times)