Epithelial barriers, such as the lining of the esophagus – the tube through which food passes from mouth to stomach - are essential for organism’s health. Defects in barriers are linked to disease, which affect millions. In project EMODI we focus on Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), a food allergy affecting the esophagus. The cause of EoE is linked to reduced barrier strength. We made use of compounds targeted to reinforce the barrier, identified by our collaborators, Thelial Technologies S.A. to ask the question whether reinforcing barriers has therapy potential in EoE. We focused on one compound, The1, and showed that it both reinforces barriers in cell culture and has promising effects in a mouse model of Eosinophilic Esophagitis. Following IP analysis, we have mapped the best route for commercial development, development to a stage where we have established effectiveness in humans, so-called phase 2 clinical trials. Economic benefits anticipated are that the further development of The1 will underpin a company with an ROI >15, creating an estimate sustainable employment for 20 FTE within the European Community. An investment of 2M € is currently being sought; both public (H2020 SME Instrument) and private (VC) funding routes are currently being explored to take commercial development of this project further and initial contact with future commercial partners is established.
