Progetti di ricerca

Fibrosis is a pathological feature of most chronic inflammatory diseases and is a global healthcare burden. Fibrosis is responsible for up to 45% of all deaths in the industrialised world. From the pharmacological point of view, it represents a multi-billion opportunity. However, specific… Leggi tutto therapeutic targeting fibrotic processes are lacking. The FIBROTHER project targets fibrotic pathologies in general, and in particular the orphan disease Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and relies on the recent discovery that molecules inhibiting the activity of the innate immunity human receptor TLR4 strongly inhibit the production of the main fibrotic markers in cellular models. The proof of concept (corresponding to TRL 3 in the drug development scale) of the anti-fibrotic activity of our TLR4 antagonists has been collected on MRC5 cells (pulmonary fibroblasts). Few drugs are available to block fibrosis, still these drugs are not specific nor efficient. The breakthrough character of our invention is given by the targeting of TLR4 on fibroblasts, i.e. the effector cells of fibrosis. Considering that fibrosis is self-maintaining once it has started, blocking only inflammation and immune cells (as with the existing drugs) does not necessarily have long-term effects on fibrosis. FP molecules have been developed by proponent’s research group and are very active, specific and non-toxic TLR4 antagonists. The antifibrotic action of FP molecules will be patented in next weeks by inventors (F. Peri, B. Costa, S. Lovisa, A. Italia) to provide an adequate formal protection of the generated Intellectual Property (IP). The financial support of Pathfinder Open is necessary to complete the preclinical development phase of lead compounds FP7 and FP12 by characterizing the in vitro (IC50 determination) and in vivo pharmacodynamics, toxicology and the pharmacokinetic (ADMET analysis) in animal models. The completion of the preclinical phase would allow to pass from TRL3 to about 4/5. The University spinoff CP2 Biotech will be the first stakeholder (acquisition of the licence of University’s patent). The molecules will be developed up to pre- clinical phase then outlicensed to target pharma companies. The consortium is composed by 3 Italian institutions, and two other independent legal entities established in different Member States (one from the University of Leuven, Belgium, the other from University of Gottingen, Germany).

BactiVax (anti-Bacterial Innovative Vaccine Training Network) is a European training network (ETN) that will provide highlevel training in vaccinology to a new generation of 15 high-achieving, early-stage researchers (ESRs). This innovative ETN uniquely blends cutting-edge research training, non-academic placements and… Leggi tutto transferable skills. It will develop strong entrepreneurial and creative mindsets. BactiVax will train ESRs in a broad range of transferable skills enabling them to thrive in careers in vaccine research within academia and/or industry through discovery, development, and delivery of innovative therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines. The World Health Organisation has identified antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as one of the three greatest threats to mankind. There is a urgent need to train innovative ESRs in the development of new vaccines against AMR infections. BactiVax will tackle the societal challenge caused by the emergence of AMR pathogens and have significant impact on pathogens causing chronic, life-threatening respiratory and/or systemic infections. BactiVax training will cover critical areas of vaccinology from early antigen discovery to optimisation of host response and delivery of vaccine antigens. It will also encompass the increasing problem of vaccine hesitancy in its public engagement. The specific research objectives are to: 1) Identify novel, protective vaccine antigens against target pathogens; 2) Optimise the host response to vaccines; 3) Optimise vaccine delivery; 4) Lead on vaccine advocacy. BactiVax includes 2 SME beneficiaries, a multinational vaccine company and 4 SMEs as partners all of whom are involved in training, entrepreneurship, commercial vaccine development and vaccine antigen processing. All ESRs will have secondments in non-academic environment to enhance their exposure to the commercial. Overall, BactiVax will provide ESRs with rich experience and advanced multidisciplinary skills in the cutting edge area of vaccines