Innovation drives progress by turning bold ideas into real solutions that change the world. At The University of Western Australia, we encourage curiosity and ambition, inspiring our community to address major global challenges.
Today, we honor Glen Travers, a 1976 Bachelor of Commerce graduate, whose groundbreaking work embodies this spirit of innovation. Glen’s career offers hope and tangible improvements for millions of people worldwide.
For Glen, innovation is not just about new ideas; it is about making a meaningful impact. As co-founder of Diabetology Ltd, he has devoted himself to transforming healthcare, focusing on the difficult area of diabetes treatment. His goal goes beyond creating new products; he aims to reshape medical science and deliver solutions that truly matter.
Based in the UK, Diabetology Ltd leads in biotechnology under Glen’s visionary guidance. The company is developing an oral insulin delivery system that challenges the pain, inconvenience, and side effects associated with traditional insulin injections. This invention could simplify diabetes care and change treatment for patients with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes around the world.
Glen’s success was not instant. It grew from careful risks and a strong interest in medical science. He began his career in finance by co-founding an equity bank. This venture gave him the resources to follow his passion for life sciences and medical technology.
One early achievement was working on eliminating Helicobacter pylori in patients with gastric ulcers. This led to the first point-of-care test for an infectious disease and confirmed Glen’s commitment to solving tough health problems. It also showed how scientific discoveries could be turned into practical, life-changing solutions. This experience influenced his later work, including developing the first oral vaccine for chronic bronchitis.
Glen’s focus shifted to diabetes when he and his co-founder, Dr. Roger New, saw a big unmet need. While insulin production had improved thanks to recombinant technology, the delivery method was still a problem.
“We believed insulin injections were not the best solution,” Glen said. “There had to be a better way.”
Their ambitious plan was to create an oral insulin that works like the body’s natural process. The pill would deliver insulin to the liver, reducing the risks of blood sugar spikes and lows and potentially preventing serious complications like blindness and nerve damage.
They founded Diabetology Ltd and began working on this revolutionary delivery system. Their goal was a safe oral capsule absorbed in the upper intestine and carried through the portal vein to the liver. The journey was tough, with many experts doubting oral insulin could ever work.
But with strong partners and Dr. New’s scientific skill, they persisted.
Their breakthrough, called Axcess™, is a safe and effective way to deliver large molecules like insulin. This success reflects their determination and hard work. Their research was published in top journals, but the project mainly advanced through private funding, showing their strong belief in the idea.
Glen’s innovation did not stop with insulin. The team found their delivery system could also work for other important drugs, like GLP-1 receptor agonists used to treat diabetes and obesity. By allowing these drugs to be taken orally, they can help control appetite and blood sugar more naturally, avoiding some side effects of injections.
From his start in Perth to now living in the UK, Glen has built a career by challenging what is considered impossible. He currently serves on the UWA Business School Ambassadorial Council UK Chapter. His story shows how vision, persistence, and a deep desire to improve lives can create big change.
“This journey brought me back full circle as a UWA Alumni Ambassador,” Glen said. “I have been able to work with the Telethon Kids Institute—now known as The Kids Research Institute Australia—a world-leading center in diabetes research. They collaborate with experts to advance our work on oral insulin and GLP-1 therapies in Perth.”
As a university community, we are proud to see Glen lead as a symbol of innovation and hope. His example inspires future generations to dream boldly and address the world’s toughest challenges.
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