6 October 2014

The agreement will allow the development and commercialization of a nanoformulated protein for the improved treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.

This license agreement arises from the patent generated through a co-operation between the research group of Prof. Jaume Veciana and Dra. Nora Ventosa belonging to the Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona of CSIC, and the Center for Genetics Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) from the scientific polo of Havana Cuba.

These researchers have found that if an epidermal growth factor (EGF, protein used in regenerative medicine) is integrated into nanovesicles obtained from DELOS procedure, developed by researchers of NANOMOL, a drastic increase in epidermal regeneration activity of this protein is observed. This effect has been successfully demonstrated on the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers avoiding the amputation of the limb. This new nanomedicine has been tested in animal models and in compassionate treatment in humans, obtaining a complete ulcer scarring within just 8 weeks. The new nanoformulation, based on EGF loaded nanovesicles, has also the advantage of allowing a topical administration of the drug, which is much less painful than the conventional infiltration method currently used with the therapies already on the market.

These nanovesicles, also called Quatsomes, consist of lipidic nanoparticles similar to liposomes but with a much higher stability over time, more than 3 years. This colloidal stability involves enormous advantages in terms of easiness of pharmaceutical formulation and for the guarantee of the final drug product quality. Quatsomes are suitable for the encapsulation of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules.The membrane of these nanovesicles can be functionalized with elements that favor the directionality towards therapeutic targets, thus reducing side effects and toxicity for the patient. Therefore, we can consider Quatsomes as a new member of the latest generation of nanomedicines.

Heber Biotec, the company which has acquired the licensing rights, operates in the field of international marketing of biotechnology products and is present in 45 countries with 412 pharmaceuticals records. Nevertheless, in recent years Heber has diversified its product portfolio including recombinant products from placental origin, small molecules obtained by chemical synthesis and generic drugs, including the most advanced antivirals from chemical nature as antiretroviral.

NANOMOL (ICMAB-CSIC) is a research group with wide expertise and recognized excellence in the synthesis, processing and study of molecular and polymeric materials with chemical, electronic, magnetic and biomedical properties. NANOMOL is also a member of Biomedical Research Networking center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN) and of the technology transfer network TECNIO.