Objective
Neurodegenerative diseases (ND) like AD, PD, MS and ALS/MND are on the rise in developed societies worldwide. Currently, there exists no cure for any ND, and most of the available drugs fail to tackle ND pathogenesis. Preclinical studies point to the therapeutic potential of neurotrophins, which have been shown to control a number of aspects of survival, development and function of neurons. However, the poor pharmacokinetic properties of neurotrophins render their use as drugs prohibitive.
The key idea behind this project is to address this limitation by developing novel small molecule, neurotrophin mimetics with favourable profiles of stability, tissue penetration and targeted biological actions. We are motivated by seminal (patented) results of beneficiaries NHRF and FORTH, who recently demonstrated promising effects of small neurotrophin mimetics in neuroprotection and neurogenesis. EuroNeurotrophin will be the first European consortium to study small molecule neurotrophin mimetics in depth, use them as molecular probes to interrogate neurotrophins, and emphasise their clinical translation.
This approach requires highly skilled researchers that have a deep understanding of neurotrophins, comprehend all steps of drug discovery and development for ND, and possess the necessary skills to translate results into novel therapies.
The network has been designed to address the need for the development of new ND treatments through the collaborative training of 14 early-stage researchers. It builds on previous successful collaborations enriched with key specialists, and consists of 12 leading European research groups and 5 private companies of complementary expertise covering all steps of drug discovery and development. Collectively we will (a) conduct a unique training programme that could not be achieved by doctoral training within a single academic institution and (b) accelerate the translation of identified drug candidate molecules into the market.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Coordinator
11635 Athina
Greece
See on map
Participants (9)
69118 Heidelberg
See on map
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
53100 Siena
See on map
14032 Caen Cedex 5
See on map
10561 Athina
See on map
01069 Dresden
See on map
Participation ended
KA6 5HW Ayr
See on map
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
70013 Irakleio
See on map
S10 2TN Sheffield
See on map
1081 HV Amsterdam
See on map
Partners (7)
Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
14451 Metamorphosis
See on map
Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
See on map
Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
48160 Derio
See on map
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
2820 Gentofte
See on map
Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
8008 ZURICH
See on map
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
74100 Rethimno
See on map
Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
69117 Heidelberg
See on map