A European training network for the discovery of neurotrophins small molecule mimetics as candidate therapeutic agents for neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation
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 6 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.
National Hellenic Research Foundation, GR
Partners:
- HITS gGmbH, Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies, DE
- University of Siena, IT
- Université de Caen Normandie, FR
- National Kapodistrian Univervsity Athens, GR
- Technische Universität Dresden, DE
- AvantiCell Science Ltd., UK
- Foundation of Research and Technology, GR
- University of Sheffield, UK
- VU University of Amsterdam, NL
- accelopment Schweiz AG, CH (Partner Organisation)
