LUNG-GENEMED · A doctoral training programme for next-generation LUNG-targeted non-viral GENEtic MEDicines

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Project objective

The lungs play a crucial role in breathing and exchanging gases, and are vulnerable to numerous illnesses, including cystic fibrosis, cancer, asthma, and infections. The application of gene-based therapies is a crucial focus in the development of new treatments for these life-threatening conditions. The administration method is crucial for lung targeted genetic therapies: Inhalation stands out as a non-invasive route, providing ease of use, quick action, localized treatment, and fewer side effects compared to intravenous methods. However, despite its advantages, inhaled RNA therapies have yet to gain clinical approval due to challenges in navigating the complex lung environment and ensuring effective gene delivery.In LUNG-GENEMED, we aim to develop advanced delivery systems that effectively penetrate lung barriers—such as mucus, surfactant proteins, and mucociliary clearance—to enhance treatment efficacy while minimizing dosage. We will build up a multidisciplinary network of 11 academic partners and 8 non-academic associated partners with expertise in soft matter, drug delivery, aerosolization, respiratory physiology and physiopathology and organ-on-chip technology. We will recruit and train 13 Doctoral Candidates (DC) for generating highly skilled scientists with competencies at the cutting edge of gene therapy who will spread their acquired knowledge across Europe well beyond the timeframe of this project. The training program will focus on developing tailored genetic nanotherapeutics for lung delivery to target untreatable diseases by elucidating the intricate bio-nano interaction patterns within the lungs. Organ-on-chip models of lungs will be used to test safety and efficacy of therapeutics, while reducing animal testing. Overall, we will tackle the current barriers arresting gene therapy by training the next generation scientists through individual training-through-research projects and secondments, scheduled in both academic and non-academic partners.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

• POLITECNICO DI MILANO · MilanoCoordinatorItaly
• ASOCIACION CENTRO DE INVESTIGACION COOPERATIVA EN BIOMATERIALES- CIC biomaGUNE · San SebastianSpain
• ASTRAZENECA AB · SodertaeljeSweden
• CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS · ParisFrance
• CHARITE - UNIVERSITAETSMEDIZIN BERLIN · BerlinGermany
• CONSORZIO ITALBIOTEC · MILANOItaly
• Croda Denmark A/S · FrederikssundDenmark
• FGHI · MontarnaudCity levelFrance
• FUNDACION PARA LA INVESTIGACION BIOMEDICA DEL HOSPITAL UNIVERSITARIO 12 DE OCTUBRE · MadridSpain
• Fundación Lovexair · El Puerto De Santa MaríaCity levelSpain
• HELMHOLTZ ZENTRUM MUENCHEN DEUTSCHES FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM FUER GESUNDHEIT UND UMWELT GMBH · NeuherbergGermany
• Iconovo AB · LundCity levelSweden
• KOBENHAVNS UNIVERSITET · KOBENHAVNDenmark
• LUDWIG-MAXIMILIANS-UNIVERSITAET MUENCHEN · PlaneggGermany
• RUPRECHT-KARLS-UNIVERSITAET HEIDELBERG · HeidelbergGermany
• SPARTA Biodiscovery Limited · LondonCity levelUnited Kingdom
• THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM · BirminghamUnited Kingdom
• UNITED KINGDOM RESEARCH AND INNOVATION · SWINDONUnited Kingdom
• UNIVERSIDAD COMPLUTENSE DE MADRID · MadridSpain
• UNIVERSIDAD DEL PAIS VASCO/ EUSKAL HERRIKO UNIBERTSITATEA · LeioaSpain
• UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI FIRENZE · FlorenceItaly
• UNIVERSITE DE TOULOUSE · ToulouseFrance

Links

• View on CORDIS
• DOI: 10.3030/101312053