Objective
Macrophage cell therapy can become an attractive example of a cell therapy, with numerous potential applications, among them cancer therapy. While T-cell based therapies so successful for the treatment of hematological malignancies! have yet failed to demonstrate effectiveness in the treatment of solid tumors, macrophages are a key component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), and in principle they are capable of killing solid tumor cells.
However, wildtype macrophages commonly respond to the TME by acquisition of a M2-like polarization state, in which state they rather support tumor growth and metastatic spread. This is a first problem for macrophage cell therapy against cancer. Besides, unlike T-cells, human macrophages cannot be expanded in cell culture, resulting in insufficient numbers of obtainable macrophages and thus limiting their utility for cell therapy.
We have generated genetically engineered human macrophages, which have proliferative potential, are resistent to tumor-induced repolarization and thus demonstrate oncolytic activity. We want to translate these exciting findings into a cell-therapy against cancer.
ONCOMAC relates to the preparation for and design of a preclinical proof-of-concept study for these genetically engineered human macrophages, so that we will have a sound basis for the translation of our genetically engineered macrophages into clinical trials. In particular, ONCOMAC will establish the numerous complex analytical procedures which are required by the European Medicine Agency's regulatory framework for First-in-human studies of an ATMP (Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product).
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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HORIZON.1.1 - 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.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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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-2022-POC1
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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.
01069 Dresden
Germany
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.