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LILY: A Breakthrough Technology to Prevent Chemotherapy-Induced Hair Loss

Project description

New device to prevent hair loss in chemotherapy treatment

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) refers to hair loss resulting from chemotherapy treatment for cancer. In this context, the EIC-funded LILY project proposes a portable, comfortable device that uses localised microvasculature compression therapy to prevent CIA. This device applies gentle pressure to the micro blood vessels responsible for delivering chemotherapy drugs to hair follicles, thereby inhibiting drug delivery. It features a proprietary pneumatic bladder network design and a soft robotics system capable of non-invasively inducing vasoconstriction in the superficial vessels of the scalp to mechanically regulate tissue perfusion. Additionally, the device incorporates an electronic control system for patient management and provides real-time feedback on the treatment protocol.

Objective

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is hair loss associated with chemotherapy treatment for cancer. LILY is a portable, comfortable, and effective CIA prevention device that uses localised microvasculature compression therapy (LMCT) to prevent CIA.

The LILY device uses this unique LMCT technique to reduce perfusion at the scalp and prevent the destructive action of chemotherapy on hair follicles. By applying a consistent low-level pressure (between 35 and 60 mmHg) to the local micro blood vessels, which could deliver chemotherapy drugs to fast-dividing hair follicles, the vessels are temporarily compressed, inhibiting drug delivery.

The device comprises a proprietary pneumatic bladder network design and soft robotics system with the ability to non-invasively induce vasoconstriction in superficial vessels of the scalp to mechanically control tissue perfusion, and an electronic control system for both patient management of the system and real-time feedback into the treatment protocol.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-EIC-ACC-BF - HORIZON EIC Accelerator Blended Finance

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-EIC-2023-ACCELERATOR-01

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Coordinator

LUMINATE MEDICAL LIMITED
Net EU contribution
€ 2 499 999,00
Address
UNIT 102 NUIG BUSINESS INNOVATION CENTRE NUI GALWAY UNIVERSITY ROAD
H91 TE26 GALWAY
Ireland
SME
Yes
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
Links
Total cost
€ 4 107 666,25