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MINAPATH: A novel and unique method to diagnose and prevent diseases that are caused by exposure and accumulation of inorganic mineral dusts.

Project description

A test for detecting mineral exposure

Exposure to minerals such as asbestos, nickel and cobalt may lead to various diseases, including cancer. Currently, there are no diagnostic tests that can assess mineral exposure. To address this problem, the EU-funded MINAPATH project proposes a novel test for obtaining qualitative and quantitative data on mineral exposure. The MINAPATH method can help identify the underlying aetiology of many idiopathic diseases, including interstitial lung diseases. Prompt and accurate diagnosis will lead to improved treatment outcomes, shorter hospitalisation and alleviate the high socioeconomic burden associated with mineral exposure. The project aims to finalise the development of this technology and reach market maturity.

Objective

Today healthcare faces critical challenges coming from an ageing population and the rise of chronic diseases. With a population expected to reach 9 billion people by 2050, healthcare expenditure is at risk of becoming unsustainable. Sustainability requires diagnostic methods to become more efficient, fast and accurate, to facilitate the use of adequate therapy. Despite the effort being made, there are still many diseases that get categorized as idiopathic (unknown cause). Specially in the lung, many inflammatory conditions fall under idiopathic category and stay undiagnosed, while slowly progressing, deteriorating the patient’s quality of life. However, many idiopathic conditions do have a common factor: exposure to mineral dusts such as asbestos, silica or metals (nickel, cadmium & cobalt). We are all at risk of exposure to these minerals, from the environment and workplace, being an occupational hazard in industrial settings and construction sites. Importantly, many of these mineral dusts are carcinogenic, contributing to the increasing prevalence of cancer globally. Despite their impact, today there are no dedicated diagnostic tests to assess mineral exposure, and diagnosis is mostly based on exclusion. In response, we at Minapath have developed a unique method that combines qualitative & quantitative analysis to diagnose the patient’s mineral exposome, serving to identify the underlying cause behind many cases of inflammatory & cancer conditions. After demonstrating the diagnostic relationship between mineral deposits and idiopathic pulmonary diseases, our goal with this project is to finalise the development of our technology and reach market maturity. To achieve these goals, in Phase 1 we aim to carry a Feasibility Study that help us prepare for the main technical, commercial and financial aspects influencing the project. Once completed, our technology will bring significant impacts to society and healthcare, contributing to its efficiency and sustainability.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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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.

SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020

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Coordinator

MINAPATH DEVELOPPEMENT
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 50 000,00
Address
56 BD NIELS BOHR CENTRE D ENTREPRISE ET D INNOVATION 2
69100 VILLEURBANNE
France

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SME

The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.

Yes
Region
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Rhône-Alpes Rhône
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 71 429,00
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