Advanced theranostic approach in cancer combining photodynamic therapy and NPs - NANOTHER

Project summary

Considering the compelling need for personalized and targeted therapy in cancer, the main objective is to design, produce and characterize new theranostic agents (polymer-coated nanoparticles with porphyrins) for photodynamic therapy. Pharmacological modulation of the endogenous antioxidant system will be used as co-therapy. Applied research for product development in preclinical setting will be complemented by advanced mechanistic studies. The project meets the M-ERA.NET topic “Tailoring of bioactive material surfaces for health applications”. The project is proposed by a multidisciplinary consortium (3 universities, 2 R&D institutes and 2 SMEs) from Portugal, Spain, Turkey and Romania, which have complementary expertise and previous cooperation. The project’s results will be disseminated by patent(s), publications and communications. The study biobank will foster research after project completion. Economic advantages will be achieved through patents and biomedical services.