Strategic Projects

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Identifying microproteins (MPs) to generate cancer vaccines. ALBA (Antigens for Liver and Breast Anticancer Vaccines). 

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Research to advance the treatment of liver and breast cancers with immunotherapies based on neoantigens, such as vaccines derived from tumour mutations, with gender taken into consideration throughout the research. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Development of healthy and sustainable foods with intake regulatory capacity 

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The project focuses on the development of healthy and sustainable foods that provide the capacity to regulate satiety, aimed at vulnerable population groups with malnutrition by default or due to excessive intake. It seeks to optimise energy and nutrient intake by creating a range of prototype foods that form part of healthy diets for the treatment and prevention of malnutrition and obesity, with gender taken into consideration throughout the research. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Technology platform to identify, develop and deliver gene therapy vectors to combat genetic kidney diseases: Treatment of autosomal dominant polycystic disease type II 

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TEGER refers to the search for innovative solutions for hereditary kidney diseases in Navarre through the development of advanced therapies based on mass sequencing and focused on the mutations that cause polycystic kidney disease, with gender taken into consideration throughout the research. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Development of a multiparametric platform for prescribing and remote monitoring of physical exercise in the treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) 

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Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a complex syndrome with an increasing incidence and a poor prognosis, already accounting for 50% of heart failure cases. This pathology is associated with ageing and cardiovascular risk factors (high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity...) It is more frequent in women than in men. Those who suffer from it often experience shortness of breath, debilitating fatigue, lower quality of life, frequent hospitalisations, and a high mortality rate. Despite its serious impact, most of the pharmacological treatments available for heart failure have not demonstrated a beneficial prognostic effect in patients with HFpEF. Several studies indicate that physical exercise has beneficial effects on heart failure, both on skeletal muscle and mitochondrial metabolism, as well as on the heart; effects that have been shown to be mediated by exerkines. In this context, SENSORFIT-4HEART proposes the implementation of a specific exercise programme in patients with HFpEF, as a potential catalyst for beneficial effects on cardiac function and remodelling, as well as on muscle bioenergetics, functional capacity and quality of life. The programme, which aims to be as personalised as possible, will be prescribed, modified and adjusted based on the results obtained from the monitoring of parameters that reflect functional capacity, physiological stress and circulating levels of exerkines in patients with HFpEF. The project plans to incorporate gender considerations into the content of every research phase.   [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Development of mRNA-based cancer immunotherapy 

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The treatment of people with cancer has progressed at a breakneck pace as a result of advances in cancer immunotherapy. However, not everyone responds to this treatment, and both the identification of those sensitive to immunotherapy, and the development of new, faster and more economical translation strategies, are necessary. To this end, ARNMUNE proposes the development of clinical trials based on preclinical research on mRNA drugs. Among the objectives to be pursued within the project framework, the following stand out: The project aims to validate new treatments in experimental models while optimising the use of infrastructures. It will advance research and development of new immunotherapeutic agents to bring them to clinical research under solid intellectual property protection. The project will also establish biomarkers to identify patient subgroups who do not respond to current onco-specific clinical strategies and could therefore benefit from these new immunotherapy approaches. The gender perspective will be integrated throughout the entire research process. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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The ecosystem of use and reuse of genomic data from the Genoma Navarra project 

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The NAGEN Programme is a strategic initiative to implement genome analysis in the clinical practice of the Servicio Navarro de Salud-Osasunbidea (Navarre health service). The fundamental objective of NAGEN DATA is to create an ecosystem of infrastructure, analytical tools, regulatory frameworks, and communication and patient participation mechanisms. Its purpose is to enable the reuse of genomic data within a sustainable, circular economy framework, in order to enhance health research and promote healthcare, positioning the Autonomous Community of Navarre as a leader in optimising genomic resources. NAGEN-DATA will build upon federated data sharing models to create a secure infrastructure that is compatible and aligned with ethical and regulatory frameworks from the design stage. Through specific bioinformatics tools developed collaboratively by the research team within the IMPaCT-Data programme, along with previous developments from the NAGEN programme, this infrastructure will enable remote interrogation of genomic and clinical data without reference to specific samples or patients, thereby mitigating privacy risks. It will also allow connection with similar national and international repositories within a federated, secure, and equitable environment. Specifically, the infrastructure will host tools that enable reanalysis of genomes included in the ecosystem for healthcare purposes by the Navarre Health Service through file reidentification. It is designed from the outset with key compatibility elements that will allow integration with other biomedical data ecosystems, medical records, and digital medical imaging to fully develop personalised medicine in the community.  [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Combinación de Inteligencia Artificial y Reposicionamiento de Fármacos en Medicina de Precisión Olfatoria

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En el proyecto INNOLFACT se aplicaron enfoques disruptivos y exitosos en la caracterización del eje olfato-sistema inmune-cerebro. Generados tanto los datos clínicos, inmunológicos y olfativos asociados a más de 300 pacientes incluidos en esta fase así como las huellas ómicas olfativas asociadas a procesos de neurodegeneración, como la Enfermedad de Párkinson y Alzheimer. INNOLFACT 2.0 recurrirá a la inteligencia artificial/machine learning para generar: herramientas y algoritmos innovadores para clasificar y diagnosticar de manera precoz las Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, modelos predictivos de utilidad en entorno hospitalario y comunitario e identificar fármacos que reviertan las huellas ómicas asociadas a neurodegeneración y que tengan capacidad de interferir con su progresión en mujeres y hombres, destacando sus diferencias si las hubiere e incorporando a las soluciones la perspectiva de género.  

Plataforma para la Identificación de TCR específicos de AntíGenos tumOrales para inmunoteRApia de tumores Sólidos

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La terapia con células TCR-T es una nueva modalidad de ACT muy atractiva para el tratamiento de los tumores sólidos. La gran ventaja de los TCR frente a los CAR en el tratamiento de estos tumores es la abundancia en ellos de antígenos tumorales (TA) intracelulares que solo pueden ser reconocidos por los TCR. En la actualidad hay dos abordajes de terapias con TCR: TCR compartidos, que reconocen “TA compartidos” por diferentes Pct/tumores; y TCR personalizados, que reconoce los “TA propios” del Pct. Los desafíos difieren para ambos abordajes: mientras que los TCR compartidos requieren soluciones que faciliten su implementación en la práctica clínica, los TCR personalizados necesitan de métodos sencillos para identificar TCR específicos de tumor y así abrirse paso en la medicina personalizada. En PITAGORAS afrontamos ambos desafíos.  

Artificial intelligence and advanced robotics solutions in complex industrial environments AiRob seeks to improve working conditions for people with solutions where artificial intelligence, deep learning and robotics are brought together to solve complex problems in the manufacturing industry. In addition, the project is based in developing transversal and enabling ICT technologies for progress in industrial processes for handling information for decision making and using computational intelligence to improve working conditions.

Leadership and innovation in cancer immunotherapy in Navarre (LINTERNA)

Treatment of oncology patients has advanced at breakneck speed as a consequence of advances in cancer immunotherapy. Thanks to the use of monoclonal antibodies that disinhibit certain brakes in the immune system, a significant portion of patients become long-term survivors. In Navarre, we have experts in several areas including immunotherapy and preclinical research and clinical practice (clinical trials), as well as pharmaceutical companies that are leaders in stimulating the immune system against cancer.

The LINTERNA project emerged to unify and consolidate the synergetic collaboration between those groups in order to (i) improve immunotherapy treatments using genome techniques, (ii) validate new treatments in experimental models optimising the use of infrastructures, (iii) and promote participation in and carrying out clinical trials for cancer immunotherapy in hospitals in Navarre.

A disruptive new audiovisual format that changes depending on the viewer's emotions in a dynamic and transparent way

The goal of the Emotional Films project is to develop a new concept for an audiovisual format based on the idea of providing personalised content in a dynamic and transparent way to each viewer depending on the emotions they show in response to different events and stimuli that occur throughout the content. An artificial intelligence (AI) that can detect and extract emotional information is being developed to do that. Emotional Films is striving for viewers to be totally immersed in the content without needing to have them interact directly with the content.

 

See the Emotional Films application

Implementation of precision olfactory medicine and developing nasal immunomodulator therapies in ageing and neurodegeneration

Research done previously in Navarre showed a direct association between the sense of smell and the immune system and its impact on cognitive and motor functions. In an ageing society, we need disruptive approaches that generate innovative tools for detecting and diagnosing neurodegenerative illnesses early. The goal of the INNOLFACT project is to implement the practice of precision olfactory medicine (POM) and develop nasal therapies that modulate the immune system in the brain.

INNOLFACT intends to provide a range of olfactory analyses that offer personalised management of ageing and the associated neurodegenerative diseases in terms of early diagnosis and slowing clinical progression.

AVANZADO EN LA NUTRICIÓN DE PERSONAS CON NECESIDADES ESPECIALES. El objetivo del proyecto Nutri+ es hacer más atractiva y saludable la dieta de determinados grupos de población especialmente vulnerables con necesidades específicas. Para conseguirlo, en este proyecto se investigan y desarrollan ingredientes y alimentos con texturas adaptadas a problemas de masticación y deglución. Productos que además son visualmente atractivos, con un perfil funcional saludable que permiten diseñar dietas equilibradas. Así se consigue prevenir patologías en estos grupos de población y mejorar su calidad de vida. Gracias a la colaboración de ADItech en este proyecto, también se ha incorporado la dimensión de género teniendo en cuenta las necesidades específicas de ambos sexos lo cual contribuye a alcanzar mejor el objetivo del proyecto.

ADItech collaborated with the government of Navarre on publicising the strategic projects financed by the government of Navarre in the 2018-2020 call for proposals. The Boletus and Aurbelec projects are centred on designing long range electric vehicles and advanced technology. Aralar and e-Hiera are projects seeking to improve the use and storage of renewable energy. And, lastly, in the area of health, the Nagen and Diana projects are researching complete DNA sequencing and applications for it in advanced medicine.

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PRotección integral de afecciOnes inMunocirculatorias En la Tercera Edad (Comprehensive Protection of Immunocirculatory Conditions in the Elderly) 

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In Europe, it is estimated that more than 10 million people suffer from pressure ulcers (PU); a condition with an incidence in the adult population of between 5% and 12%, reaching 20% in geriatric patients with acute and/or chronic diseases. The environment of these wounds and their progression — particularly exacerbated in bedridden individuals due to body pressure and friction with clothing and bedding — means that new technologies and antimicrobial textiles play a significant role in improving therapeutic approaches and ensuring a better quality of life. In this regard, the general objective of the PROMETEA project is to achieve combined treatments that enable the regeneration of epithelia while controlling infection and inflammation processes. This will be accomplished through the prevention of infections and the stimulation of the defences of affected individuals. Thanks to the collaboration of ADItech in this project, gender has also been considered, taking into account the specific needs of both sexes, which helps achieve the project's objective more effectively. This work has been made possible thanks to the collaboration of  Olaya Fernández Guerrero and Remedios Álvarez Terán of the University of La Rioja.   [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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RNA nanotransporter-based therapy for cancer treatment 

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Currently, cancer is the second leading cause of death in developed Western countries, after cardiovascular disease. Despite the remarkable advances in the knowledge of the biological mechanisms involved and new therapeutic approaches, the search for treatments with an adequate safety/efficacy balance continues to be one of the main priorities. The NanoRC project focuses on personalised cancer treatment, modelled on multiple myeloma (MM). To achieve this, personalized specific siRNA will be generated based on the genomic and transcriptomic information of patients. These siRNA will be administered using nanoparticles. Nanotransporters will protect RNA from degradation, specifically target it to tumour cells, and allow for internalisation of the RNA. Once inside the tumour cells, the RNA will specifically bind to its target, exerting the desired therapeutic effect. Thanks to the collaboration of ADItech in this project, gender has also been considered, taking into account the specific needs of both sexes, which helps achieve the project's objective more effectively. This work has been made possible thanks to the collaboration of Morteza Mahmoudi of Michigan State University.   [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Bioingeniería avanzada para el desarrollo del tejido cardiaco y su aplicación al estudio y detección de cardiotoxicidad

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This project tackles the challenge of advancing 3D printing technology and biomaterials to enable the development of human cardiac tissue in the laboratory, ranging from mini-hearts to complete organs. Additionally, it aims to establish them as an effective and innovative platform for the early detection of cardiotoxicity. The objective is to position Navarre as an innovation node in the development of biofabrication technology and the production of bio-artificial human heart tissues. Additionally, it aims to utilize these tissues for industrial and (pre-) clinical testing of cardiotoxicity. The consortium behind this project will work on the development of technological and biomedical tools for the design, development, manufacture and implementation of cardiotoxicity testing platforms, with different capacities. It will also proactively evaluate their valorisation. This will be based on state-of-the-art technology: from human iPSC stem cells, multifunctional 3D printing and biomaterials, to the in vivo generation of humanised hearts by blastocyst complementation. Thanks to the collaboration of ADItech in this project, gender has also been considered, taking into account the specific needs of both sexes, which helps achieve the project's objective more effectively. This work has been made possible thanks to the collaboration of Lourdes Chacon-Alberty of the Texas Heart Institute. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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BLANCA (Breast Long non coding ANti-Cancer Antigens) Using genomic data to develop a cancer vaccine 

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Using genomic data to develop a cancer vaccine. The fundamental objective of the BLANCA project is to develop a vaccine for the treatment of breast cancer. To this end, massive data from cancer patients will be obtained and analysed, looking for non-coding RNA that is expressed in the tumour and can generate immunogenic micropeptides. This is a unique opportunity to establish cutting-edge technology in genomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and chemistry. It will enable the creation of a technological platform, positioning Navarre as a leader in cancer treatment and RNA vaccine production for various diseases and future pandemics.  [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Applications of multi-omic microbiota study to the development of innovative biotechnological solutions in health 

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Recent studies indicate that microbial communities play a critical role in human health. These microorganisms, collectively referred to as microbiota, participate both in the pathophysiology of different diseases and in the response of patients to pharmacological treatments. MicroBiomics (μBiomics) proposes the design, development, and implementation of a multi-omic platform and a set of bioinformatics tools. This will allow for the characterisation, at an unprecedented level of detail and in a completely novel way, of the role of the microbiota in various pathological processes, including digestive, autoimmune, and oncological conditions. The final objective of the project is to identify bacterial communities and their activity for the design of therapeutic strategies based on biotechnology. Thanks to the collaboration of ADItech on this project, gender has also been considered, taking into account the specific needs of both sexes, which helps achieve the project's objective more effectively. This work has been made possible thanks to the collaboration of Irene Miguel-Aliaga, Imperial College London and the Francis Crick Institute.   [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]