Project #94
Project #94 - Spain
Date: 2005/06/21
Deadline: 2039/12/12
Contact
Partner search located in Spain
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Organisation
CR 26 / REDFUE - University-Enterprise Foundations Network
Official
Representant
LETAMENDI VIÑAU, Mr Juan Andrés
Expert
GARCÍA LÓPEZ, Mr Pedro José
Email
pedrogarcia@redfue.es
Address
C/ Ponzano 69-71,
9°-19°
Postcode
E-28003
Country
Spain
Website
http://www.redfue.es/portada.asp
Telephone
+34-91-399 09 06
City
Fax
MADRID
+34-91-399 21 78
Familiar with the European Framework Programme? YES
PROJECT
Title: Post-genomic approaches exploiting aquatic molecular biodiversity for the
treatment of cancer
Project type
Integrated Project
Status
Planned for submission
Call references
Call 4th
Acronym:
Priorities’ Main Research
Areas
Priority Lifesciences
Innovative research in post-genomics, which has high potential for
application
Combating cancer
Workprogramme Topic
(according to each priority
workprogramme)
LSH-2005-1.2.5-2: Post-genomic approaches exploiting aquatic
molecular biodiversity for biomedical apllications
Project description
The project proposes the integration of various disciplines and research centers devoted to the
discovery of novel marine molecules with potential for the treatment of cancer. Although academic
groups and research centers have been successful in identifying potential antitumoral targets for
therapeutic intervention by means of genomic, epidemiological and other techniques, the
implementation of these new targets in drug discovery programs very often come up against many
difficulties. At the same time the biotechnology industry has few resources to carry out the basic
research necessary to propose exciting new targets for therapeutic intervention.
The aim of the present project will be to bridge this gap by putting together academic groups involved
in basic research into new targets and those with the capacity to validate these targets and carry out
drug discovery, preclinical and early clinical development. It is envisaged that by means of providing a
route for development of new drugs, the proposal will provide easy access for realization of the
investment in basic research carried out at academic institutions.
The targets sought will be those that have originated from genomic and postgenomic approaches aimed
at determining the molecular processes involved in the different aspects of the development of the
malignant phenotype. Targets outside oncology may also be considered but will be secondary to the
project as marine organism extracts have proven to be most effective in drug discovery for this
indication. Target validation will be carried out by means of the multiple techniques available, including
iRNA, knock-out, etc.
Natural libraries of marine origin available from industry will be used in screening programs directed
against the proposed validated antitumoral targets. After several rounds of bioassay-guided chemical
fractionation, the active compounds will be isolated and elucidated. The necessary chemical expertise
will also be incorporated in the proposal so that once the structure is elucidated it can be reliably
produced in sufficient quantities as to permit sustainable exploitation of marine environments by
avoiding the need for the natural source and permitting preclinical development.
The preclinical methods for prediction of efficacy and toxicity are important in the development of a
potential drug. This will be achieved by the incorporation of expert SMEs in the area, which have animal
models relevant for the disease and which can adapt these models to the intervention against a
particular target.
Keywords
cancer, targets, post-genomic,
Partners already involved
Project budget (for the
running projects)
nc
Budget reserved for
SMEs
nc
Research topics
• LSH-2005-1.2.5-2: Post-genomic approaches exploiting aquatic molecular biodiversity for biomedical
applications - INTEGRATED PROJECT
Profile of SME sought
Role
technology development, research, dissemination
Country /region
Any country
Start of
partnership
start-up phase
Expertise required
Partners:
-experienced academic groups involved in basic research setting new targets
and those with the capacity to validate these targets and carry out drug
discovery, preclinical and early clinical development
-SME experts in preclinical methods for prediction of efficacy and toxicity which
has animal models relevant for the disease and that can adapt these models to
the intervention against a particular target.