Project description
RNA-based therapy for Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder associated with a damaged gut lining. Conventional treatments focus on immune system suppression but do not promote mucosal healing and sustainable remission. There is a need for strategies that directly target and restore the underlying cause of epithelial dysfunction. To address this issue, the ERC-funded RE-ACT project proposes a highly innovative therapy based on long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles. This approach builds on the recent discovery that patients with CD exhibit lncRNA dysregulation. Researchers aim to evaluate the efficacy of this innovative treatment and prepare for clinical translation. This strategy has the potential to serve as a safer and more effective alternative to existing CD therapies.
Objective
RE-ACT aims to translate groundbreaking ERC-funded research on lncRNA-based therapy for Crohn's Disease (CD) into a commercially viable treatment option. Our innovative approach targets the gut epithelial lining using lncRNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), addressing a critical gap in current CD treatments which primarily focus on immune suppression. By restoring epithelial function, we aim to achieve better mucosal healing and long-term patient outcomes. Building on our discovery of widespread lncRNA dysregulation in CD patients, we will conduct comprehensive preclinical studies to validate the efficacy and safety of our lncRNA-LNP therapy. Our work will involve both ex-vivo studies using human cell models and in-vivo studies in mouse models of epithelial injury and gut inflammation, focusing on optimizing delivery, assessing therapeutic effects, and evaluating potential systemic impacts. Concurrently, we will develop a robust IP strategy to protect our innovation, conduct thorough market assessments to understand the commercial landscape and engage in targeted business development activities to secure partnerships and funding for future clinical development. Our integrated approach combines scientific rigor with commercial acumen, maximizing the potential for successful translation from laboratory to clinic. The project addresses a significant unmet medical need in CD treatment, potentially offering a more effective and targeted therapy with fewer systemic side effects. If successful, our lncRNA-based approach could not only improve outcomes for CD patients but also pave the way for similar therapies in other gastrointestinal disorders. By combining cutting-edge science with strategic commercial development, this project represents a significant step towards addressing the limitations of current CD treatments and improving the lives of millions affected by this challenging condition.
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.
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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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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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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-2024-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.
52621 Ramat Gan
Israel
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.