IRIS Phase-1 SIGNED

Project "IRIS Phase-1" data sheet

The following table provides information about the project.

 Partnership

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Map

 Project objective

Transplantations are life-saving treatments, often representing the only option for people with severe disease such as blood cancers. Unfortunately, complications linked to transplants are so high that they are current limiting the increase of adoption of transplantations. Specifically, Graft versus Host Disease occurs in up to 80% cases after receiving bone marrow from a donour and poses a serious threat to the life of patients already in critical condition. Graft versus Host Disease, today, can only be suspected when it is already at an advanced state, i.e. when clinical symptoms appear. However, symptoms are not unique, thus invasive biopsies are needed for a certain diagnosis. At this stage, even more time has been wasted before starting an effective drug treatment: the mortality risk can reach 95%, the hospitalization period lasts months instead than weeks and so drug treatments, that have to be stronger and more aggressive. MarxBio for the first time in the world was able to link a particular enzyme called GSK-3beta to the onset of Graft versus Host Disease and, specifically, to the proliferation of donor’s T-cells that attack the host. The Company has the unique knowhow to monitor the complex pathways of GSK-3beta to diagnose and monitor the progression of the disease, through the use of tens of different, specific antibodies. All of this know-how has been enclosed in a disposable protein chip, so a simple blood test, instead of a biopsy, is required to detect the disease: results can be obtained in every laboratory, with the use of a standard fluorescence scanner. Scientific results have been published and intellectual property has been protected with a patent portfolio. During Phase 1 project the Company will assess the scale-up plan and the clinical trials to be conducted to validate the diagnostic kit, and will establish a sound go-to-market strategy to ensure a swift market uptake of the proposed solution.