On December 10th, over 150 people from 15 different research institutions attended the Workshop on Nanomedicine organized by the Singular Research Centers Network of the University of Santiago de Compostela in collaboration with the NanoValor Project.
Throughout 8 lectures, several researchers addressed different topics as theranostics, new biomaterials and the development of new nanomedicines. The workshop ended with a roundtable to discuss about translational research and technology transfer.
By visiting researchers, Professor Joyce Wong (Boston University) demonstrate the production of stable, monodisperse targeted microbubbles with controllable rupture, which have the potential to be customized by ultrasound theranostic agents for targeted molecular imaging and therapeutic treatment.
Professor Tito Trindade (Universidade de Aveiro) illustrated the interest of nanocomposite materials in several bio-applications that include optical detection of bioanalytes, controlled drug delivery and antimicrobial products, while Professor Mario Barbosa (INEB-University of Porto) presented their latest advances in tissue regeneration by exploiting the ability of some of these structures to self-assembly in the biological medium, reviewing the role of inflammatory cells in the regenerative process.
From CIMUS and CIQUS (belonging to Singular Research Centers Network), several researchers contributed with their visions. Thus, Anxo Vidal (CIMUS) highlighted the opportunities and challenges of nanotechnology for cancer therapy, while María José Alonso (CIMUS) was focused on different applications of the nanocarriers designed by her research group. These applications include cancer therapy, nanovaccines and oral peptide delivery.
Representing CIQUS, José Luis Mascareñas explained how they have designed molecules which are able to interact with DNA, inserted into the minor groove, while others serve as luminescent optical sensors to detect biomarkers related to cancer. Eduardo Fernández Megía (CIQUS) explained potential medical applications of a number of biocompatible polymeric nanostructures developed in his research group. Finally, Juan Granja (CIQUS) described his studies towards the design of peptide nanotubes which interact with cell membrane and are based on cyclic peptides that self-assemble under certain appropriate conditions.
To end up the workshop, a round table was held with representatives from academia, venture capital, foundations, technology-based SMEs and big pharmaceutical industry presented their own points of view about how to translate nanosciences into nanopharmaceuticals.
As a conclusion to this debate, regarding the research area, the pending development in selective nanocarriers for specific therapeutic targets, the promises around regeneration of tissues, the need for a more collaborative and transdisciplinary research, so integrating effective open innovation, within a real open innovation framework.
With regard to tech transfer and business development, the following issues were pointed out: the role of both venture capital and managers specialized in the field of nanomedicine; risk management and the right balance between long-term investment and short-term incomes; the move towards an international positioning; and improvement of the institutional financial support. Finally it was recalled that nanotechnology field still needs to develop not only an appropriate regulatory framework but also adequate resources in regulatory agencies.
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