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Metal-Organic Hydrogels for Efficient Drug Delivery (MOHEDD)

Project description

A nanoparticle-based drug delivery platform for glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive type of brain cancer and is associated with dismal prognosis. Current treatment entails the administration of chemotherapy locally through an implant that is placed in the brain following surgical resection of the tumour. The EU-funded MOHEDD project proposes an alternative drug delivery vehicle based on nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are constructed from metal-organic frameworks (nanoMOFs) and embedded within a 3D hydrogel network that resembles a sponge. By tuning the hydrogel properties, scientists can alter the dispersibility of MOFs in the matrix. MOHEDD will test this nanoMOF hydrogel in animal models before proceeding with its clinical evaluation.

Objective

The treatment of glioblastoma – the most common, aggressive and lethal type of brain cancer with survival rated below 14% – requires novel and improved drug delivery systems to overcome the drawback of state-of-the-art local chemotherapy by using Gliadel wafers. MOHEDD aims to evaluate the feasibility of advanced nanoMOFs and hydrogel hybrids for controlled drug delivery into the commercial stage, with the idea of accelerating their access to the market as highly efficient delivery vehicles for glioblastoma. The novelty of MOHEDD’s technology lies on the synergistic potential of integrating nanoMOF particles, loaded with cancer drugs, within a hydrogel network to create a biocompatible, processible, tailorable system for efficient controlled drug delivery in glioblastoma. We use 3D sponge-like networks of hydrogels to promote the dispersibility of MOFs in their matrices, using the MOFs as high capacity drug vehicles as well as to tune the properties of the hydrogels. Through validation of drug loading and release with MOF@hydrogels, we will evaluate such composites for human (rat) glioma models. We expect to achieve pharmaceutical, clinical, academic and public impact throughout MOHEDD project by a close collaboration of industrial partners and clinical advisers. The industrial consortium stems from a successful spin-out of the academic group (Immaterial Labs), chemical manufacturers (BASF) and pharma companies (AstraZeneca) as well as clinicians. The success of MOHEDD will result in the translation of MOF@hydrogel systems to pharma industry through collaboration with Immaterial Labs.

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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ERC-POC - Proof of Concept Grant

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) ERC-2020-PoC

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Host institution

THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
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.

€ 150 000,00
Address
TRINITY LANE THE OLD SCHOOLS
CB2 1TN CAMBRIDGE
United Kingdom

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Region
East of England East Anglia Cambridgeshire CC
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

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Beneficiaries (1)

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