Project description
Targeting fibroblasts as a treatment for inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterised by chronic inflammation that can lead to fibrosis with excessive scarring of the intestine caused by overactive fibroblasts. This process not only worsens chronic inflammation but also increases the risk of complications such as colon cancer. Current therapies mainly suppress inflammation without tackling fibroblast-driven fibrosis. The ERC-funded FIBROLEAD project introduces a pioneering oral therapy with the compound VM-313, shown to reduce inflammation and fibrosis in preclinical models. Researchers will validate the clinical and commercial potential of VM-313 by testing its safety and efficacy in animal models of IBD. Ultimately, the vision is to transform IBD treatment and improve treatment results.
Objective
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which comprises Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is a growing global health challenge affecting over 6.8 million people. Characterized by chronic inflammation leading to intestinal fibrosis, IBD significantly reduces quality of life and increases the risk of severe complications, including colon cancer. Current treatments primarily target inflammation, and fail to address the persistent activation of inflammatory fibroblast phenotypes and the resulting fibrosis, contributing to frequent relapses and a heightened risk of disease progression.
To address this gap, FIBROLEAD introduces a pioneering approach by targeting fibroblasts, key mediators of chronic inflammation and fibrosis in IBD. Our recent research identified VM-313 to effectively disrupt pathogenic fibroblast activation. We now have evidence that this compound has a strong potential in mitigating both inflammation and fibrosis in vitro, ex vivo and in a mouse model of lung fibrosis. Additionally, it exhibits a favourable safety/toxicity profile and drug-like properties that are equal or superior to currently available anti-fibrotic drugs. These findings position VM-313 as a promising candidate for expanding and improving therapeutic strategies for IBD and other fibrotic diseases.
This PoC project aims to develop VM-313 as an advanced lead and validate its clinical and commercial potential. Our approach includes assessing its in vivo safety and efficacy in animal models of IBD and determining its mode of action via target identification and validation studies. In parallel, we will develop a comprehensive business case, engage with key stakeholders, and conduct a commercial assessment to evaluate market entry potential. By leveraging our unique targeting strategy and the advantages of a non-invasive oral therapy, VM-313 has the potential to transform IBD treatment, delivering significant benefits to patients.
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)
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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
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-POC
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151 27 MELISSIA ATHENS
Greece
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