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Brain-Specific, Modular and Active RNA Therapeutics

Objective

The overall objective of B-SMART is: 1. to design modular nanoparticles, 2. to manufacture them via a quality-by-design protocol, 3. to achieve delivery of therapeutic RNAs to the brain and treat neurodegenerative diseases.

I. To design modular nanoparticles consisting of
o an active RNA payload
o established (lipid-based), emerging (trigger-responsive polymer-based) or exploratory (extracellular vesicle-based) nanoparticles
o a targeting ligand consisting of the variable domain of heavy chain only antibodies (also known as VHHs or nanobodies), which are coupled to the carrier platform

II. To manufacture the modular nanoparticles using a microfluidic assembly system that will ensure quality-by-design: uniform nanoparticles across research sites and excellent control over the physico-chemical parameters.

III. To test pre-clinical activity of formulations with promising in vitro activity with good cell/blood compatibility and to select the best RNA-formulation for clinical translation to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
Pre-clinical efficacy is tested after
o local injection
o nasal administration
o systemic administration
The neurodegenerative diseases carry a high burden for patients since they are without exception progressive. But they also carry a substantial socio-economic burden with estimated costs of 130 billion euro. per year (2008).

IV. The technical work in B-SMART will be supported by project management. It ensures that the project is coordinated in a clear, unambiguous and mutually acceptable manner and that the project achieves its objectives, within the given financial and time constraints.

in B-SMART we expect to arrive at a scale-able nanoparticle formulation with uniform characteristics that shows strong pre-clinical evidence of therapeutic efficacy and is ready for clinical translation.

Call for proposal

H2020-NMBP-2016-2017

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Sub call

H2020-NMBP-2016-two-stage

Coordinator

UNIVERSITAIR MEDISCH CENTRUM UTRECHT
Net EU contribution
€ 861 080,00
Address
HEIDELBERGLAAN 100
3584 CX Utrecht
Netherlands

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Region
West-Nederland Utrecht Utrecht
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost
€ 861 080,00

Participants (9)