The selected initiatives address diverse biomedical research challenges, including the development of new cancer therapies, treatments for rare neurological diseases, and tools for more personalized medicine. The funding will support various development stages, from validating new therapeutic strategies to preparing for potential clinical applications.
Among the highlighted projects are new gene therapies for childhood brain disorders, led by Assumpció Bosch (UAB) with VHIR participation, receiving €1,000,000 for local and controlled therapeutic strategies. A smart system to personalize Parkinson's treatment, led by Jorge Hernández (VHIR) with a €957,827 grant, will also be developed, using wearable sensors and artificial intelligence for real-time dose adjustments.
Another initiative seeks a new therapeutic approach for mitochondrial DNA maintenance disorders, led by Ramon Martí (VHIR), with €50,000 to demonstrate the viability of a metabolic strategy. Additionally, a new therapeutic strategy against the Hedgehog pathway in cancer, led by Josep Roma (VHIR) with €50,000, will be developed to inhibit pathway activation in ligand-dependent tumors.
The neoCDK project, led by Marcos Malumbres (VHIO) with €500,000, focuses on developing selective inhibitors for aggressive liver cancer. A faster and more sensitive liquid biopsy to identify tumors with homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) will also be developed, led by Ana Vivancos (VHIO), with €150,000.
Finally, nanotransporters will be developed to deliver drugs to hard-to-reach tumor cells in cases of pseudomyxoma peritonei, a project led by Samuel Sánchez (IBEC) with VHIO participation, receiving €999,062.77.
Beyond financial support, the CaixaImpulse Innovation call offers selected teams a mentorship program, specialized advice, and training in technology transfer, business development, and research valorization, aiming to transform scientific results into healthcare solutions.
