innovation & b usiness develo p ment A R E A
b E L LV I TG E B I O M E D I C A L R E S E A R C H I N S T I T U T E
TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO
idibell INNOVATION
IDIBELL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO
innovation & business development The Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) is a biomedical research center established in 2004. Its stakeholders are Bellvitge University Hospital and Viladecans Hospital, of the Catalan Institute of Health, the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), University of Barcelona and the town council of L’Hospitalet de Llobregat. IDIBELL is located in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, south of Barcelona. It is a member of the Campus of International Excellence of the University of Barcelona HUBc and part of the CERCA institution of the Generalitat of Catalonia. In 2009, it became one of the first five Spanish research centers accredited as a health research institute by the Carlos III Institute of Health. The Business Development and Innovation Area detects, assesses and advises the innovation carried out by professionals in our institution in order to have a real impact on the welfare of the society and return. The area is aimed to connect academics to industry to improve patients’ welfare. The hospital environment is a suitable framework for generating new ideas and results of the investigation highly transferable to the market. From our institution we promote innovation among professionals and accompany them throughout the process to the market and therefore to society. Our strategy is to work close to industry focusing in developing translational collaboration.
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1200
1500
3000
BEDS
PHYSICIANS
NURSING STAFF
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ACTIVITY RESEARCH PROJECTS AND GRANTS
364
34%
Projects and current research grants
122
Projects granted in 2015
CLINICAL TRIALS
593
25%
Ongoing clinical trials
150
Clinical trials started in 2015
R&D cONTRACTS / YEAR
86
R&D contracts per year
PATENTS
58
Patent applications
75% National Patent applications
International Patent applications
25%
TRANSFER AGREEMENTS AND SPIN-OFF
19 Transfer Agreements
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7
Active spin-offs
Created spin-offs
3
technology portfolio
IDIBELL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO
New solution for prevention and treatment of infection We are looking for
4 TRL 4 TECHNOLOGY VALIDATED IN LAB
PATENT EP14382324.3
PRIORITY DATE 22/08/2014
CO-DEVELOPMENT
LICENSE AGREEMENT
INVENTORS
TECHNOLOGY STATUS
MÁÑEZ R (IDIBELL)
The study has shown that removal of anti-Gal antibodies mediated by GAS914 prevents sepsis and reduces cytokine levels in mice genetically modified so as to express anti-Gal antibodies. European patent filed.
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED A common problem in patient hospitalizations is the high number of nosocomial infections, many of them caused by Gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, this problem has been strengthen due to current antibiotic resistances acquired in the last years.
APPLICATIONS The present invention relates to the field of therapeutics and, more in particular, to agents and compositions for the prevention and/or treatment of infections caused by bacteria.
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MARKET OPPORTUNITY Prevention of Gram-negative nosocomial infections will have a positive impact on Hospitals and Healthcare Systems. GAS914 represents an absolute innovation both concerning the mechanism of action and the effect. It is a soluble inhibitor that can bind and clear antibodies systemically, which is certainly a much better strategy to remove antibodies of the bloodstream than the existing ones.
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BACKGROUND Severe sepsis and septic shock are major healthcare problems, affecting millions of individuals around the world each year, killing one in four (and often more), and increasing in incidence. Antibodies may enhance the infective potential of microorganisms instead of being protective to the host. Natural antibodies in normal human serum to a specific cell surface polysaccharide of S. aureus (poly-N-acetyl glucosamine) interfere with the protective antibodies induced by different vaccines against this microorganism causing the failure of immunization. Some strategies have been proposed in the prevention and/or the treatment of infections caused by bacteria in a subject. However, there is still a need in the state of the art to identify suitable and effective agents for use in the treatment or the prevention of infections in a subject caused by bacteria.
TECHNOLOGY This study demonstrates that natural antibodies targeting Galactose α1-3 Galactose epitopes (αGal), the most abundant natural antibody in humans, impair infections caused by Gram-negative enteric bacteria. The present invention shows that the removal of antibodies against αGal residues mediated by GAS914 in a subject increases serum bactericidal activity against Escherichia Coli blood isolates.
HIGHLIGHTS
A method to prevent and treat infection caused by gram negative bacteria A solution to nosocomial infections
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IDIBELL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO
Novel Blood Biomarkers for Early detection of Alzheimer Disease We are looking for
4 TRL 4 TECHNOLOGY VALIDATED IN LAB
PCT SUBMISSION ONGOING
SPANISH PATENT PRIORITY DATE 28/03/2014
CO-DEVELOPMENT
LICENSE AGREEMENT
INVENTORS
TECHNOLOGY STATUS
BARRACHINA M, FERRER I (Institute of Neuropathology, HUB, IDIBELL)
Project status: IDIBELL group has data on the target validation, non-regulatory preclinical and first clinical proof-of-concept of target has begun from which preliminary data will be available at 4Q2015. IP status: IDIBELL has filed a patent application at the OEPM (Spanish Patent and trademark Office), with number P201430444 and priority date 28/03/2014. PCT submission has been requested.
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED Dementia and Alzheimer Disease are increasing worldwide the last years. Detection methods of these diseases are expensive and complex. Thus, there is a need to find new diagnosis tests to allow early diagnose and treat symptoms more efficiently and to reduce further costs associated. APPLICATIONS The goal would be to develop cheap, fast and nonpainful methods to be used in this first stage of detection in primary care, hospitals and private medical assurances. Focused as middle age prevention plan, the early susceptibility detection would allow fast intervention to diminish the progression of the disease, improve patient’s quality of life and minimize associated direct and indirect cost for health systems and families. The technology should be easily introduced in mature as well as in emerging pharmaceutical markets.
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MARKET OPPORTUNITY AD is still a significant unmet medical need. Only in the US accounts for up to 5M people diagnosed and estimated 25 M people worldwide, even higher if dementia is considered instead of AD. Although AD is considered a chronic disease, it is also cause of direct death being the 6th cause in US. Indeed, while deaths from other major diseases decreased, deaths from AD increased 68% between 2000 and 2010. About up to 500.000 new cases are diagnosed each year only in the US, but close to 900.000 remain silent. Although AD and dementia are usually considered ‘western developed countries’ diseases, already 62% of people with dementia live in developing countries raising to 71% by 2050. The higher incidence is taking place in China and India.
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BACKGROUND Alzheimer Disease (AD) is considered a slowly progressive brain disease that begins about 20 years before clinical symptoms emerge. Moreover, 15% of diagnosed mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients progress to AD per year. Nonetheless, the main line of detection of dementia symptoms is performed in primary care by nonpharmacological approaches due to the cost and complexity of current medical analysis that requires to be performed in hospital environment. The early susceptibility detection would allow fast intervention to diminish the progression of the disease, improve patient’s quality of life and minimize associated direct and indirect cost for health systems and families. TECHNOLOGY The technology aims to establish a direct link between genetic characterization and mitochondrial functionality. Therefore, the identification of a genetic and epigenetic mitochondrial panel to predict the risk of progression to AD in diagnosed MCI patients.
new polymorphism detected in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region and the effect of the mtDNA methylation pattern. On one hand, several polymorphisms in nuclear genes for mitochondrial proteins and some mitochondrial haplogroups have been described as conferring risk of AD. Heteroplasmy mutations in the mtDNA control region or D-Loop have been correlated with mitochondrial dysfunctionallity and an increase in β-amyloid production. On the other hand, cerebral mitochondrial impairment has been also reported at the systemic level, giving support to the idea that somatic mtDNA modifications in blood precede the development of dementia and β-amyloid deposits.
Moreover to develop a novel diagnostic tool using blood samples of MCI by means of analyzing the effect of specific mitochondrial polymorphisms already described in AD in combination with new
HIGHLIGHTS
Genetic and epigenetic mitochondrial panel to predict the risk of progression to Alzheimer Disease (AD) in diagnosed mild cognitive impairment patients (MCI). Novel diagnostic tool using blood samples of MCI.
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IDIBELL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO
A new Endo-Luminal Linear Anastomosis Stapler We are looking for
2 TRL 2 TECHNOLOGY CONCEPT FORMULATED
PATENT EP16382173.9
PRIORITY DATE 15/04/2016
CO-DEVELOPMENT
INVENTORS
TECHNOLOGY STATUS
GOLDA T (HUB, IDIBELL)
A prototype is in the process of being developed in order to test it in animal models. Patent on draft.
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED
MARKET OPPORTUNITY
ELLA surgeries using current staplers are difficult to perform, requiring very skilled surgeons. Thus, there is a need of a new stapler easier to be managed.
Traditional types of physical wound closure (sutures, staples, clips) continue to represent the lion’s share of the wound closure and related products market. The total market size of the sutures and staples worldwide market was evaluated at 4.2 Billion US dollar, growing at a CAGR of approximately 3.5%. The Surgical Stapling market was estimated at 1.5 Billion growing at a CAGR of approximately 5.5%. However the share of the sutures and staples market as part of the wound closure and related products market is expected to decline from 35% in 2012 to 32% in 2017. The market is controlled by companies like Ethicon (J&J) with 80% of the sutures, staples and mechanical closure market, followed by Covidien and B.Braun. With the new ELLA Stapler it will be possible to perform successfully and in a standardized fashion most of ileo-colic and small bowel anastomoses which are presently performed. This new technique avoids the state of the art problems of cross-stapling and the need to close any enterotomy. The ELLA-anastomosis could be a safe, easy and standard technique. Thus, clinicians would rather work with this new device.
APPLICATIONS ELLA Stapler is a medical tool to be used in patients undergoing a laparoscopic right colectomy or undergoing any kind of laparoscopic intestinal resection and reconstruction of the intestinal integrity. This device was conceived and designed to address the problems of intracorporeal ileo-colic anastomosis after right, extended right or subtotal colectomy. ELLA anastomosis technique could be applied to all forms of anastomoses in the small bowel anastomosis during laparoscopy. It could also be applied as a first choice technique in the closure of a protective ileostomy/colostomy.
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BACKGROUND Ileocolic anastomoses are most commonly performed after intestinal resection for right sided colon cancer, not resectable polyps or Crohn’s disease. An ileocolic anastomosis is a routine procedure in the elective and emergency setting. Case series have suggested that both stapled and sutured anastomoses can be performed with a very low risk of anastomotic leak, however a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials on stapled versus hand-sewn methods for ileocolic anastomoses shown that the stapled functional end-to-end anastomosis is associated with significantly fewer anastomotic leaks compared with hand-sewn. Laparoscopy is supported by many studies to be introduced as standard in colonic resection as the overall postoperative complications seem to be reduced. However many surgeons discourage the intracorporeal anastomosis for the excessive performing time and unavoidable technical challenges. Nowadays an indication to the intracorporeal anastomosis is represented only by the incapability to perform an extracorporeal anastomosis. Otherwise the length of the right transverse laparotomy has to be greater than 15 cm hereby losing the advantage of a laparoscopic approach. Taking into consideration the excellent results obtained with the intraluminal stapler in the left colon and rectum, there is an urgent need to unify and simplify the anastomosis in the right colon and small bowel.
Because of its technical difficulty, laparoscopic right colectomy with intra-corporeal anastomosis is performed only by a small number of laparoscopically very skilled surgeons. TECHNOLOGY The invention presents a novel approach for the safe and easy performance of an otherwise very complex laparoscopic procedure. With the traditional approach, the primary laparoscopic operation for the resection of the right colon has to be completed using a large incision in order to perform an anastomosis. The presented technology would eliminate the need for this large incision, resulting in a reduction of surgical trauma and a transformation of the right-sided colectomy into a real laparoscopic procedure.
HIGHLIGHTS
A new device for endo-luminal linear anastomosis (ELLA) surgeries A stapler to reduce surgical trauma A novel safe and easy approach of laparoscopic procedure
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IDIBELL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO
Topical analgesic gel for anorectal pain relief We are looking for
6 TRL 5/6 CLINICAL TRIAL PLANNING
PATENT EP15382416.4
PRIORITY DATE 05/08/2015
LICENSE AGREEMENT INDUSTRY
INVENTORS
TECHNOLOGY STATUS
LINARES MA (IDIBELL-HV)
The gel has already successfully been tested in patients in a pilot study.
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED
A European patent application (EP15382416.4) has been filled. PCT submission has been requested.
Management of postoperative anorectal pain and discomfort is suboptimal world-wide. In addition, anorectal disorders are a prevalent condition in a high percentage of adult and elder people.
APPLICATIONS This topical gel can be used in pre and post anorectal surgery patients to relief local pain. And it can also be used to treat pain in anorectal persisting disorders.
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MARKET OPPORTUNITY The topical treatment for anorectal surgery is new, unique and directed to a necessary field of application with strong market demand.
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BACKGROUND Anorectal disorders are widespread condition affecting the general population with a prevalence of 40% in adults and 100% occasionally in elder people over 65 years old. Rectal surgery includes hemorrhoids, anal fistula and anal fissure, having hemorrhoids a prevalence rate of 4.4% among all population. Postoperative pain is handled in such many different ways that none of them is purely effective. There is no topical alternative for the treatment of postoperative pain in anorectal benign surgery due to medical contraindications of existing products. Current pain solutions proposed require use of burdensome devices and are uncomfortable for the patients.
TECHNOLOGY This is an effective gel for pain treatment which will lead to patient satisfaction, lower medical costs and shorter hospital stays
HIGHLIGHTS
A topical gel to relief anorectal post-surgery pain and inflammation An effective balm in the treatment of pain and inflammation for common anorectal afflictions.
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IDIBELL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO
New small RNA biomarker for ischemic stroke risk prediction We are looking for
5 TRL 5 TECHNOLOGY VALDIATED IN RELEVANT ENVIRONMENT
PATENT EP16382025.1
PRIORITY DATE 21/06//2016
INVENTORS ARAN JM (IDIBELL)
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED Current diagnostic techniques for atherosclerotic disease and stroke prediction are invasive and not sensitive enough for early stages. Thus, there is a need to create a new diagnostic method more sensitive and less invasive to detect the disease. APPLICATIONS This study suggests this circulating biomarker as a novel and independent biomarker for vulnerable atherothrombotic plaque identification in patients with high-grade carotid artery stenosis and, consequently, for primary and secondary ischemic stroke risk prediction, particularly in high cardiovascular risk individuals. Moreover, this circulating biomarker might further add as a promising prognostic biomarker to monitor the effectiveness of the best medical treatment, and perhaps for the occurrence or restenosis.
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CO-DEVELOPMENT
LICENSE AGREEMENT
Determination in serum of this biomarker could also be useful for long-term management monitoring and/or outcome prediction after carotid revascularization procedures. On the other hand, this circulating biomarker has been recently proposed as a novel prognostic biomarker for non-small cell lung cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. TECHNOLOGY STATUS It has been performed a pilot study in human serum samples. Patent application filed.
MARKET OPPORTUNITY Non-invasive biomarker would be invaluable to inform best medical practice for asymptomatic carotid artery disease and others diseases in clinics.
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BACKGROUND Stroke is responsible for more than 10% of deaths worldwide and represents one of the leading causes of disability in the developed countries. Atherosclerosis, the main vascular vessel pathology, results from the inflammatory build-up of lipidladden macrophages in the vessel wall. Carotid artery atherosclerosis has become the major highrisk mechanism for the occurrence of ischemic stroke, which represents more than 80% of all cerebrovascular events. Preventive measures have been developed to avoid carotid stenosis, such as surgical plaque removal by carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or endovascular stent placement (CAS), but these are highly invasive. These invasive revascularization procedures are associated with surgery related mortality and morbidity. Moreover, the intervention of asymptomatic patients with >70% carotid estenosis and <10 years of life expectancy is presently highly controversial due to the improvement of the medical treatment. TECHNOLOGY In clinical practice, the degree of carotid artery stenosis and plaque neovascularization evaluated through imaging techniques such as contrastenhanced ultrasound, positron emission
tomography/computed tomography (PET/TC), and magnetic resonance is being considered a most important predictor of carotid plaque vulnerability and, consequently, of increased risk of stroke in patients with carotid artery disease. Nevertheless, a major limitation of the present imaging techniques is their application only in advanced stages of atherosclerotic disease. Thus, novel diagnostic markers using minimally invasive approaches are needed for a more specific and sensitive prediction of atherosclerosis load and progression, and particularly, to reliably identify patients with highrisk carotid plaques for early and accurate stroke risk stratification. This new small RNA biomarker is more sensitive and less invasive as can be accurately detected in circulating blood.
HIGHLIGHTS
A biomarker to predict possible ischemic stroke A blood circulating non-invasive biomarker A Predictive method of atherosclerosis and stenosis
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IDIBELL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO
Temsirolimus as a new treatment for X-adrenoleukodystrophy We are looking for
4 TRL4 TECHNOLOGY VALIDATED IN LAB
PATENT EP14382353.2
PRIORITY DATE 19/09/2014
CO-DEVELOPMENT
LICENSE AGREEMENT
INVENTORS
TECHNOLOGY STATUS
PUJOL A (IDIBELL)
Experiments validated using in vivo and in vitro models. Confirmation of these results in AMNpatient samples has not been carrying out yet.
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED
A European patent application has been filed.
The incidence of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is 1:17.000 in newborns, although it is likely higher due to its poor diagnosis. Currently there is no-successful treatment for the disease; therefore it is important to find a new treatment.
MARKET OPPORTUNITY
APPLICATIONS Treatment for patients with X-ALD disease.
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In contrast to other treatments, Temsirolimus has been effective for all types of X-ALD. Furthermore, Temsirolimus is a marketed drug, so its security has been already tested and this will speed up the steps needed to become a successful therapy against this disease.
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BACKGROUND X-ALD is a neurometabolic disease characterized by the loss of function of the peroxisomal transporter ABCD1 resulting in the accumulation of very-long chain fatty acids (VLCFA). The incidence of this disease is 1:17.000 in newborns, although it is likely higher due to its poor diagnosis. Depending of the patient age and whether brain is specially affected, X-ALD is classified in three variants: AMN (late-onset form that affects adults); cAMN (include cerebral demyelination and neuroinflammation in adults), cCALD (include cerebral demyelination and neuroinflammation in children). Currently there is no-successful treatment although several approaches have been done in order to combat this disease, including allogenic bone marrow transplantation1 (low rate of survival, a new clinical trial is in process); gene therapy with transfection of the ABCD2 gene2 (no statistical results at this moment, a new clinical trial is in process); Lorenzoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oil dietary treatment (no clinically relevant benefits) and treatments with diverse drugs such as 4- phenylbutyrate and valproic acid (not clear results), bezafibrate (no reduction of VLCFA in either plasma or lymphocytes) or sobetirome5 (preliminary results, in phase 1).
TECHNOLOGY Constitutive autophagy is indispensable for maintaining neural tissue homeostasis and normal function. Dysfunctional autophagy has been observed during neurodegeneration in both in vivo animal models and in vitro primary neuronal cultures. The study has used biochemical, morphological and functional assays to directly analyze the autophagic system status in X-ALD fibroblasts, patient brains and X-ALD mouse models. It has reported autophagy impairment as a mechanistic and pivotal component of X-ALD pathogenesis. Temsirolimus restored autophagic flux and inhibited the axonal degenerative process as well as the associated locomotor impairment in the mouse model.
HIGHLIGHTS
A novel treatment for X-ALD A treatment that restores autophagic flux and inhibits the axonal degenerative process.
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IDIBELL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO
New prognostic biomarker for breast and ovarian cancer We are looking for
2 TRL 2 TECHNOLOGY CONCEPT FORMULATED
PATENT EP16382173.9
PRIORITY DATE 15/04/2016
CO-DEVELOPMENT
LICENSE AGREEMENT
INVENTORS
TECHNOLOGY STATUS
PUJANA MA (IDIBELL-ICO), LÁZARO MC (IDIBELL-ICO), SURRALLÉS J (UAB), MIGUILLÓN J (UAB)
Experiments tested in vitro. Confirmation of these results in cancer patient samples has not been carrying out yet.
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED
A European patent application has been filed.
Despite years of research and progress in understanding susceptibility to breast and ovarian cancer, these diseases remain important causes of death in women
MARKET OPPORTUNITY
Therefore, there is still a need to develop more efficient methods which allow predicting the prognosis of a patient suffering from these types of cancer. APPLICATIONS The invention relates to the field of biomarkers for the prognostic of cancer. In particular, the invention relates to a method for determining the prognosis of a patient suffering from cancer, or for predicting the clinical response of a patient to a treatment with a DNA damaging agent, or for selecting a cancer patient for a therapy with a DNA damaging agent.
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Surgical and pharmacological treatment suitable for each type of tumor depends on the spread of the tumor and on its risk of progression; but in ovarian cancer, surgery decision must be the most conservative possible in order to prevent loss of fertility in patients. It is of vital importance to correctly classify the tumors and evaluate the tumor progression and metastasis capacity at the time of diagnosis, which would allow selecting the correct surgical procedure for each patient. This method would approach clinicians to elucidate the prognostic and possible treatments for patients with different kind of tumors.
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BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer worldwide and the fifth most common cause of death by cancer, being the most common cause of death by cancer among women. Ovarian cancer is the gynecological disease causing the highest number of deaths in developed countries. With an incidence of 204,000 cases a year, it causes 125,000 deaths worldwide and the 5-year mortality is about 70-80%, in most cases being due to tumor progression and metastasis. Identification of new prognosis factors will serve as a guideline in selecting the most suitable treatments.
TECHNOLOGY The invention relates to an in vitro method for determining the prognosis of a patient suffering from cancer, wherein the cancer is not hepatocarcinoma. This method predicts the clinical response of a patient suffering from cancer to a treatment with a DNA damaging agent. It would be useful to select a therapy for a patient suffering from cancer, comprising the steps of determining the expression level of this biomarker in a sample.
HIGHLIGHTS
A novel biomarker of tumor aggressiveness with prognostic value A method to predict response to DNA damaging agent treatment in patients with cancer
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IDIBELL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO
New calcineurinic inhibitor immunosupressant We are looking for
2 TRL 2 TECHNOLOGY CONCEPT FORMULATED
PATENT EP15382332.3
PRIORITY DATE 22/06/2015
CO-DEVELOPMENT
LICENSE AGREEMENT
INVENTORS
TECHNOLOGY STATUS
PÃ&#x2030;REZ M (IDIBELL), PARDO L (UAB)
In silico and in vitro assays have been carried out successfully. European Patent Application filed.
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED Immunosupressive drugs produce many not desirable side effects that need to be solved with new immunosupressive treatments addressing this issue.
MARKET OPPORTUNITY This new treatment could be of a great interest to avoid side effects in patients with many diseases related to immunosuppressive therapies.
APPLICATIONS Alternative to current immunosupressants addressed to patients with immunsuppression treatment need for long periods of administration, patients suffering autoimmune diseases and patients with a transplanted organ to avoid the rejection.
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BACKGROUND Cyclosporin A and Tacrolimus are the cornerstone of immunosuppressive therapy. Many patients need such immunosuppression for long periods of administration; people suffering autoimmune diseases, patients with a transplanted organ who need to avoid the rejection, among others. Despite their benefits, such drugs are unfortunately related to important side effects: neurotoxicity, renal dysfunction, hypertension and diabetes. We have identified a family of compounds that also target calcineurin and do not disrupt other signaling pathways, revealing their therapeutic immunosuppressant potential without the current side effects. Activation of Calcineurin (CN) dephosphorylates NFATc proteins that translocate into the nucleus where, in cooperation with other transcription factors, induce the expression of many cytokine/ chemokine genes, leading to T cell activation. Thus, it is necessary to develop alternative strategies for disrupting CNâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;NFAT signaling pathway that overcome the problems associated to the methods based on the use of current immunosupressants to be more specific.
TECHNOLOGY This an alternative to current immunosuppressants characterized in that the compounds discovered do not interfere in other calcineurin-mediated pathways. Current immunosuppressant drugs are big molecules (peptides); in contrast, the proposed immunosuppressants are simple small molecules. In this way, a good bioavailability pattern is expected and no cytotoxicity has been observed. This immunosupressants would be administrated by oral administration and no side effects are expected.
HIGHLIGHTS
A discovery of compounds acting as calcineurinic inhibitor immunosuppressant that do not need to bind immunophilins to inhibit calcineurin Compounds that do not affect the phosaphatase activity of calcineurin towards substrates other than NFATcs. A treatment with less side
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IDIBELL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO
A new target for antiangiogenic-resistant tumors (2nd line) and a novel biomarker of treatment response We are looking for
3 TRL 3 EXPERIMENTAL PROOF OF CONCEPT
FILING OF TWO PATENTS (TARGET & BIOMARKER)
PRIORITY DATE 11/03/2015
CO-DEVELOPMENT
LICENSE AGREEMENT
PoC APPLICATION 2015
INVENTORS
TECHNOLOGY STATUS
CASANOVAS O (ICO, IDIBELL)
Technology validated in lab. Proof of concept will be carried out in 2016.
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED Despite the efforts made to date, there still exists a need in the art for novel compounds and/or therapies useful in cancer treatment, particularly in those cancer patients who become irresponsive to anti-angiogenic treatments.
APPLICATIONS This technology can be used as a novel target for the treatment of Cancer Patients resistant to an anti-angiogenic therapy. It can also be used for the detection, diagnosis, monitoring, prognosis and prediction of response to anti-angiogenic treatment in cancer patients.
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There have been filed two patent applications for: 1. A novel drug target for the treatment of cancer patients resistant to anti-angiogenic therapies. 2. A cancer biomarker (diagnostic kit) to detect, diagnose, monitor and determine prognostic or prediction of response.
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BACKGROUND
TECHNOLOGY
Tumor growth is typically dependent on angiogenesis, which can be inhibited with antiangiogenic therapies, in order to impede tumor nurture and growth. Indeed, several angiogenesis inhibitors have proven to be a successful strategy in the treatment of various cancers increasing patient survival. This therapeutic strategy has provided clinical benefit in several solid tumor types, and Bevacizumab (monoclonal antibody against VEGF-A 165) remains approved for colorectal, renal, nonsquamous/nonâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;small-cell lung cancer, and glioblastoma. Small-molecule inhibitor data are less mature, but similar observations have been made regarding Sorafenib and Sunitinib, promoting investigation into potential mechanisms of escape from anti-VEGF therapy. But there is still a need for novel cancer therapies, especially for antiangiogenic resistant tumors.
1. A new Validated Target for Cancer The authors have assayed two protein inhibitors in tumor cells and demonstrated that there is a comparable effectiveness between these inhibitors and antiangiogenic therapies (Bevacizumab and DC101), and that the inhibition of this pathway results in decreased weight and tumor volume, decreased tumor vasculature and increased tumor necrosis. Additionally, they have demonstrated that inhibition of this pathway is also effective in the treatment of tumors resistant to an anti-angiogenic therapy.
Furthermore, there are still no biomarkers in routine clinical use in antiangiogenic therapies. Particularly in the past decade the methods used in prognosis and prediction of response have not advanced in any significant way. Thus, nowadays patients continue to be exposed to potentially toxic therapies with no possibility of prediction of response probability. Therefore it will be necessary to identify possible biomarkers in RCC. We focus on recent findings in our understanding of the molecular signature of RCC, and the potential for such knowledge to provide novel markers and therapeutic targets.
2. In vitro diagnostic kit The inventors have found that the determination of tissue or plasma levels of this protein can be used as a cancer marker for detection, diagnosis and monitoring of cancer in patients. Therefore, its protein levels or expression levels could be used as a predictive factor of response to anti-angiogenic therapies in patients with renal cell carcinoma, breast cancer and colorectal cancer, among others. The inventors have also determined that these protein levels in a tumor sample from a subject may be used as an indicator of the response of said tumor to an anti-angiogenic agent, allowing the development of a kit for determining whether a tumor is resistant to an anti-angiogenic treatment.
HIGHLIGHTS A new target for tumors resistant to antiangiogenic treatment An in vitro method for detection, diagnosis, monitoring, prognosis and prediction of response to treatment in cancer patients An in vitro method for determining whether a tumor is resistant to an antiangiogenesis agent
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IDIBELL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO
New prognostic kit of biomarkers for Lung Cancer We are looking for
3 TRL 3 EXPERIMENTAL PROOF OF CONCEPT
PRIORITY APPLICATION EP16382007.9
PRIORITY DATE 11/01/2016
CO-DEVELOPMENT
LICENSE AGREEMENT
INVENTORS
TECHNOLOGY STATUS
SANDOVAL J (Hospital U. y P. la FE), HERVÁS D (Hospital U. y P. la FE), MONTUENGA L (CIMA), ESTELLER M (IDIBELL, DÍAZ A (IDIBELL), MÉNDEZ J (IDIBELL)
The results have been validated in tumoral DNA obtained from Lung Cancer patients.
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED Since lung cancer is one of the most aggressive cancers, there is a need to find new biomarkers in order to diagnose and predict it faster.
Patent application filed. MARKET OPPORTUNITY This new prognostic method based on methylation biomarkers can be very useful for clinicians to detect the different stages of Lung Cancer and determine next steps on the treatment.
APPLICATIONS BACKGROUND TThe combination of current diagnostic protocol with new epigenetic nomograms will be of great help for early detection of lung cancer and consequently improving the outcome of lung cancer patients. This prognostic test will allow the identification and selection of patients with lung cancer at early stages in order to choose the most appropriate therapy for them; the design of stage-specific clinical trials in which a benefit of adjuvant therapies could accrue to the high risk population; and the generation of treatment guidelines for early-stage lung tumors.
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Lung cancer is the deadliest type of cancer for both men and women. Each year, more people die of lung cancer than of breast, colon, and prostate cancer combined. Several factors are associated with the poor outcome of lung cancer patients. One of them is the scarcity of effective therapies achieving durable responses. Another factor is late diagnosis, since most lung tumors are detected at advanced stages
WWW.IDIBELL.CAT of the disease. This is crucial, taking into account that survival rates drop substantially from early to late stages. Epigenetic biomarkers, mainly DNA methylation, have emerged as one of the most promising approaches to improve cancer. DNA methylation can be detected by a wide range of sensitive and cost-efficient techniques even in samples with low tumor purity. This epigenetic modification can also be detected in different biological fluids which represents a promising tool for non-invasive cancer detection. TECHNOLOGY In recent years, different epigenetic candidates have been proposed, but none has reached the clinic yet, mainly due to the lack of large validation studies or the use of analytical methods difficult to standardize. There is a need for risk models and markers to improve the screening cost-benefit ratio by better selecting the screened population. Although the CT-based imaging is a very sensitive technique, its specificity is low, and it yields a large proportion of cases with indeterminate nodules, which may require further follow up or invasive procedures, which may turn out to be futile in the frequent case of these nodules being benign. Biomarkers for the correct classification of the indeterminate nodules and as an adjunct to the diagnostic procedure are a clear unmet clinical need.
Epigenetic biomarkers, mainly DNA methylation, have emerged as one of the most promising approaches to improve cancer diagnosis and present several advantages as compared to other markers, such as gene expression or genetic signatures. This study has identified and validated a signature of DNA methylation biomarkers already present in early stage lung cancer and globally absent in normal tissue. This is a powerful epigenetic signature based on four candidate genes. The study provides a novel epigenetic predictive model that may help to improve lung cancer diagnosis.
HIGHLIGHTS
A prognostic kit for Lung Cancer A prognostic method based on biomarkers of DNA methylation
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IDIBELL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO
New molecular tests to improve reproductive health We are looking for
4 TRL 4 TECHNOLOGY VALIDATED IN THE LAB
SPIN-OFF
INVENTORS LARRIBA S (IDIBELL)
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED Infertility is a widespread problem. For about one in five infertile couples the problem lies solely in the male partner. In most cases, there are no obvious signs of infertility as the quality and appearance of the sperm appears normal. Thus, there is a need to find new approaches to determine sperm quality, not based on the classical parameters. APPLICATIONS The This test may be used in the improvement of the success of assisted reproduction techniques: selection of samples from semen donors with appropriate conditions, realistic information about the chances of success of conjugal assisted reproduction techniques, contribution to the diagnosis of male infertility and counseling for more appropriate type of reproductive treatment.
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SPIN-OFF DEVELOPMENT 200.000â&#x201A;Ź
The technology may be used to predict fecundity not only of human spermatozoa but also of animal spermatozoa. Prediction of fecundity of animal spermatozoa is interesting in several fields, for example in order to control the fecundity of animals in danger of extinction. TECHNOLOGY STATUS The experimental approach is based on selection of a gene set expression panel in a training series of semen donors with a detailed record of intra uterine insemination reproductive outcomes in different female recipients. The potential of the gene panel as a predictive classifier was validated in an independent series of donors. Next steps in the development of the technology would include: Validation of biomarkers, i.e. in an assisted reproduction center, in order to confirm the predictive ability of the selected genes. Validation of the possible use of this genetic fingerprint for predicting pregnancy when using in vitro fertilization (IVF) technique. The budget to carry out these validations is 200.000â&#x201A;Ź.
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MARKET OPPORTUNITY Since the first test‐tube baby was born in 1978, treating infertility has become a $3 billion‐a‐year business. It is commonly accepted that infertility affects more than 80 million people worldwide. Approximately 15 percent of couples who attempt to conceive over a period of 2 years are unable to become pregnant, and an increasing demand of assisted reproduction has been observed in recent years. Currently, the estimated average cost of producing a baby through these new treatments in the U.S. can be well over $50,000. BACKGROUND Traditionally, selection of sperm donors has relied on microscopic assessment to determine semen quality. The assessment of male fertility is based on the descriptive information provided by the basic semen analysis, including sperm count, motility and morphology. Although there is a clear correlation between the semen quality and the probability of conception, the wide overlap of parameters between fertile and infertile men suggest that this basic semen analysis does not always correlate with a successful fecundity, and seriously hampers the diagnostic power of semen analysis. The significant proportion of couples having unexplained infertility, in spite of the good quality of the semen, suggests that abnormal sperm function can be due to molecular defects in some cases.
TECHNOLOGY Analysis of mRNA expression in spermatozoa from a routine semen sample measures the genetic expression of four unique genes associated with male fertility and an increased likelihood of conception. Together with traditional analysis, the gene expression offers a complete picture for a high probability of success. The present technology is focused on the assessment of fecundity of sperm, and is based on the evaluation of the expression of a set of genes as biomarkers.
HIGHLIGHTS
Gene expression of mRNA in spermatozoa to predict fecundity of semen Assessment of the likelihood of successful assisted reproduction in both humans and animals
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IDIBELL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO
New facial paralysis rehabilitation software We are looking for
5 TRL 5 TECHNOLOGY VALDIATED IN RELEVANT ENVIRONMENT
PATENT EP16382025.1
PRIORITY DATE 21/06//2016
CO-DEVELOPMENT
INVENTORS
TECHNOLOGY STATUS
MONTESINOS N (HUB)
A pilot study has been performed in patients with peripheral facial paralysis and followed by a survey asking patients for satisfaction with the treatment, being the results almost 100% satisfactory.
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED “The mirror therapy” has been used for facial paralysis rehabilitation leading to an improvement in these patients. But there is still a need to improve this technique by automating the process and recording the data obtained to follow up the patients’ recovery.
APPLICATIONS This software can be used to improve the existing mirror therapy and to be combined with the facial muscular rehabilitation treatment in peripheral facial paralysis patients.
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MARKET OPPORTUNITY The software can be used in rehabilitation centers and hospitals to improve specific rehabilitation treatments.
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BACKGROUND Facial paralysis is caused by loss of facial movement because of nerve damage. It usually happens on just one side of the face and is typically caused by skull fracture or injury to the face, head or neck tumor, stroke, Bell’s palsy, Ramsay-Hunt Syndrome and Guillain-Barre Syndrome. The incidence of sudden facial paralysis in American is of 40,000 persons per year. Current neuromuscular treatments are based on neurobucal massages and analytic movements. It has been demonstrated that vision of a symmetric image of the face can improve facial paralysis, this is called “the mirror therapy”. This is a known technique since the 90’s, initially used as a therapy for pain treatment of phantom limb syndrome in amputated patients. Some years later, this technique started to be used in patients with hemiparesis caused by cerebral injuries and nowadays it has become a useful technique for other pathologies. Some of the postulated theories to understand the mechanisms of this technique are the activation of the “mirror neurons circuit” or the interpretation of the mirror reflex by the brain as an image corresponding to the paretic side activating the motor circuits injured and leading to ease the movement.
TECHNOLOGY This is an improvement of the mirror technique by developing a software to create real-time symmetric images and to record data in order to maintain a following up of the treatment. This could be a useful, innocuous and easy to apply tool, with no additional cost for patients with facial paralysis to improve movement regeneration.
HIGHLIGHTS
A real-time software to facial paralysis patients rehabilitation An improvement of the existing mirror therapy
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IDIBELL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO
FINGOLIMOD as a new treatment for X-adrenoleukodystrophy We are looking for
6 TRL 6 TECHNOLOGY
PATENT EP15382366.1
PRIORITY DATE 14/07/2015
LICENSE AGREEMENT
DEMONSTRATED
IN RELEVANT ENVIRONMENT
INVENTORS
TECHNOLOGY STATUS
PUJOL A (ICREA-IDIBELL), JOVE M (IRBLLEIDA), PAMPLONA R (IRBLLEIDA), PORTERO-OTĂ?N M (IRBLLEIDA)
Technology ready for human clinical trials in Phase II-B. A European patent has been filed.
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED MARKET OPPORTUNITY The incidence of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is 1:17.000 in newborns, although it is likely higher due to its poor diagnosis. Currently there is no-successful treatment for the disease; therefore it is important to find a new treatment APPLICATIONS Fingolimod can be used as a new therapy for X-ALD. On the other hand, there can be measured a metabolite derived from its pathway acting as a biomarker for progression of AMN.
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Currently, there are no effective therapies tested to delay or to stop AMN evolution. Alternative therapies are on experimental phases and have not been reached the market yet. Firstly, the technology could be used by clinicians as a treatment for X-ALD. Fingolimod is already used to treat other diseases in humans and it is expected to be used for the treatment of X-ALD as a re-profiling drug. Secondly, it can be used as a diagnostic and prognostic tool of the disease, as currently do not exist any tool for that either.
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BACKGROUND X-ALD is a neurometabolic disease characterized by the loss of function of the peroxisomal transporter ABCD1 resulting in the accumulation of very-long chain fatty acids (VLCFA). Depending of the patient age and whether brain is specially affected, X-ALD is classified in three variants: AMN (late-onset form that affects adults); cAMN (include cerebral demyelination and neuroinflammation in adults), cCALD (include cerebral demyelination and neuroinflammation in children). Currently there is no-successful treatment although several approaches have been done in order to combat this disease, including allogenic bone marrow transplantation1 (low rate of survival, a new clinical trial is in process); gene therapy with transfection of the ABCD2 gene2 (no statistical results at this moment, a new clinical trial is in process); Lorenzoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oil dietary treatment (no clinically relevant benefits) and treatments with diverse drugs such as 4- phenylbutyrate and valproic acid (not clear results), bezafibrate (no reduction of VLCFA in either plasma or lymphocytes) or sobetirome5 (preliminary results, in phase 1).
TECHNOLOGY Fingolimod is traditionally used as a treatment for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Specifically, it is an antagonist of the Sphingosin1Phosphate (S1P) receptor in lymphocytes and other cells, impairing their migration to inflammatory focuses. Thus, it is expected to act on the same pathway for X-ALD, although not necessarily on lymphocytes.
HIGHLIGHTS
A new therapeutic use of FINGOLIMOD FINGOLIMOD as a new treatment for adrenoleukodystrphy A new biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of adrenoleukodystrphy
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IDIBELL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO
C O N TA C T IDIBELL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & INNOVATION OFFICE Ed. Recerca UB • Feixa Llarga s/n 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona (Spain) Barcelona · Spain Phone: +34 932 607 106 MAIL: innovacio@idibell.cat
F I N D US O N l in e
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