Objective
The discovery of RdCVF (Rod-derived Cone Viability Factor) has provided a clue to understanding the secondary loss of cone photoreceptors (and of central and light-adapted vision) following the degeneration of rod photoreceptors as a consequence of mutations expressed only in rods in most cases of rod-cone degenerations (or retinitis pigmentosa : RP). In two different rodent models of RP, intraocular administration of RdCVF increased significantly cone survival and function. Given the unparalleled genetic heterogeneity of retinal dystrophies, including RP, the delivery of RdCVF appears as a promising, mutation independent strategy for preserving central vision, even at late stages of the disease, opening a wide window for neuroprotection. RdCVF, discovered by team 1, and developed by team 5, has been granted by the EMEA and FDA the Orphan Status. Reaching the stage of phase I/II trials with RdCVF protein therapy in RP implies several key preclinical milestones: 1) the production of GMP grade proteins and their functional validation in in vitro and in vivo assays, 2) pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies determining, the dosage, half life, site of injection of the protein, while 3) toxicology studies will be performed in normal and mutant mice and rats, and in monkeys. In parallel, based on the knowledge gained by partner 1 on tryparedoxins (the family of RdCVF) and on RdCVF sequence and paralogs, attempts will be made to 4) optimize the therapeutic protein. In order to reduce the injected dose and to provide a steady level of RdCVF, innovative delivery systems such as nanoparticules will be developed. These steps, conducted by renown academic partners in the fields of neuroprotection and toxicology, experienced industrials and subcontractants, will lead to a proof of safety and concept in advanced RP. This may provide a novel, widely applicable approach to an untreatable blinding condition, while hinting towards extension to other neurodegenerative diseases.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- medical and health sciences medical biotechnology
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics mutation
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine ophthalmology retinopathy
- medical and health sciences basic medicine toxicology
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP7-HEALTH-2009-single-stage
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Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
75654 PARIS
France
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.