Project description
A neuron-based assay for drug screening
Neurons secrete specialised signalling molecules termed neuromodulators which regulate key processes in our brain and body. More than 30 % of available drugs target neuromodulator receptors, yet there is no assay for screening neuromodulator secretion. To enhance target validation and lead optimisation, the EU-funded HumanNeuronScreen proof-of-concept project will develop a screening assay for testing compounds for neuropsychiatric disorders. This novel assay employs neurons derived from patient somatic cells such as skin and can be used at the preclinical level to provide important information on the mechanism of action, selectivity and effectiveness of drugs before proceeding with clinical validation.
Objective
Brain disorders present a staggering health-care burden, costing around 800 billion euros per year in the EU and affecting almost 180 million people. Currently, development of treatments for these disorders is very unsuccessful. Of all currently prescribed drugs, >30% target G-protein coupled receptors, that are typically activated by neuromodulators. Neuromodulators are signaling molecules secreted by most neurons, which regulate many processes in our brain and body. Dysregulation of neuromodulator secretion is firmly associated with many neuropsychiatric disorders, but no screening assay for neuromodulator secretion is currently available to test drug candidates. We have developed a human-based neuromodulator screening assay for preclinical testing of compounds for neuropsychiatric disorders. This assay, the HumanNeuronScreen, uses human neurons derived from somatic patient cells (e.g. skin), to maximally approach the situation in the patients’ CNS and thereby greatly enhancing target validation and lead optimization in preclinical research. It delivers in depth knowledge on the mechanism, potency and selectivity of drug candidates, supporting a higher success rate for clinical trials. Therefore, the value proposition of our product consists of a drastic reduction of costs in drug-development for pharmaceutical and biotech companies, and potentially impacts on 180 million patients in Europe. This proof-of-concept project aims to prove the commercial potential for the HumanNeuronScreen by measuring a reference library of compounds that establishes the resolution, reproducibility and dynamic range of the screen. An IP strategy will be developed to ensure a market position and business strategy will be created and validated. Together, this maximizes the value of the research conducted in the ERC Advanced grant DCV fusion.
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: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
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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.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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.
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.
ERC-POC-LS - ERC Proof of Concept Lump Sum Pilot
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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.
(opens in new window) ERC-2020-PoC
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
1081 HV Amsterdam
Netherlands
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.