NANOFOL · Folate-based nanobiodevices for integrated diagnosis/therapy targeting chronic inflammatory diseases

NANOFOL proposes to develop a new diagnostic/therapy approach using folate based nanobiodevices (FBN) able to provide a new type of cost efficient treatment for chronic inflammatory diseases such as Atherosclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis with low side effects that will constitute a more advantageous solution than current therapies. NANOFOL will achieve all that by fulfilling the following objectives: •Design , development and production of nanobiodevices (FBN) targeting directly effector cells •Proof of concept in vitro and in vivo of a folate based nanodevice targeting activated macrophages in chronic inflammation not affecting bystander cells •Proof of concept in vitro and in vivo of a nanodevice containing a bispecific antibody (against folate receptor and another macrophage marker) targeting activated macrophages in chronic inflammation not affecting bystander cells •Proof of concept of FBN delivery therapeutic agents (by small interfering ribonucleic acid molecules (siRNA) or lipophylic molecules) targeting inflammatory signaling pathways •In vitro and in vivo testing of cellular toxicity caused by the novel nanobiodevices in cells other than activated macrophages •Design of models that will enable to minimize animal experimentation. •Development of a strategy to assess potential risks in order to ensure nanobiodevice safe delivery. NANOFOL has adopted a specific risk strategy to attain objectives in a step by step approach allowing improving gradually the concept (specificity, stability, side effects efficacy) from the lower to the higher risky solutions ensuring reduced experimental animal testing and high human safety. The NANOFOL project will combine expertise in nanotechnologies, biology, chemistry, materials science, biotechnology, engineering, risk analysis, medical and pharmaceutical sciences.