Researchers at IBUB and the University of Barcelona (UB) are developing a promising project that aims to provide new therapeutic options for treating glioblastoma multiforme, a lethal brain tumour for which, to date, there is no cure and no effective treatment either.
Currently, glioblastoma multiforme is treated with surgical resection followed by chemoradiotherapy, mainly using Temozolomide, the main chemotherapeutic agent used worldwide. However, more than 50% of patients treated with Temozolomide do not show an effective response due to the development of resistance. The average survival rate for patients with glioblastoma multiforme is between 12 and 15 months.
The University of Barcelona (UB) has awarded 25,000 euros to the project “Preclinical progression of a structurally new anti-glioblastoma drug” through the Bosch i Gimpera Foundation (FBG), and with the support of Banco Santander. The project, which will advance an anti-glioblastoma drug through preclinical phases, is led by Dr Carmen Escolano, from the Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences and Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB). This grant has been awarded within the framework of the Proof of Concept programme of the 2023 Call of the Fund for the Promotion of Innovation (F2I).
This is a multidisciplinary project that includes renowned professionals such as Dr. Sergio Casas (Instituto de Salud Carlos III), Dr. José A. Morales (Universidad Complutense), Drs. Mabel Loza and José Brea (Universidad de Santiago de Compostela), Drs. José C. Perales, Mercè Pallàs, and Christian Griñán-Ferré (Universitat de Barcelona), and Drs. Caridad Díaz, Rosario Fernández, and Olga Genilloud (Fundación Medina).
The research is based on the use of a new family of compounds with blood-brain barrier penetration capabilities and excellent anti-proliferative activity in glioblastoma multiforme cell lines. In vivo validation in a glioblastoma multiforme model has demonstrated the beneficial effects of some of these compounds in ameliorating the disease.
The project aims to elucidate the mechanism of action and obtain neuropharmacokinetic information on a selected compound to provide an attractive value point for potential licensees and investors and additional valorisation calls.
The success of the project could provide new therapeutic intervention options for the treatment of this deadly disease. The research may also benefit public associations and pharmaceutical companies that partner with the project.
Grants to promote knowledge transfer
The Bosch i Gimpera Foundation has earmarked a total of 100,000 euros for the Proof of Concept grants of the 2023 Call of the Fund for the Promotion of Innovation. The aim of the call is to promote innovation and valorise UB projects that have a high potential for transfer and impact on society.
The Proof of Concept grants are aimed at UB researchers who lead transfer projects in which the University owns or co-owns both the knowledge and prior technology, and the results for whose valorisation the grant is requested.
Since 2016, the Fund for the Promotion of Innovation programme has fostered the creation of six spin-offs –AIGecko Technologies, Bluephage, ColorSensing, Mind & Identity, Neurekalab and Virtual Bodyworks– enabled the licensing of six technologies, and leveraged more than five million euros in public and private funding.
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