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MICROSPHERES FOR THE DELIVERY OF BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE SUBSTANCES
Investigator and research findings
Researchers at the Callerio Foundation, a non-profit private organisation, have presented AREA with the findings of a research project aimed at the validation of lysozyme for use in enhancing cultivated fish immunization, in the form of a vaccine encapsulated in two polymer matrices. AREA experts' actions
In support of the research findings, SISTER’s actions were primarily oriented towards defining a strategy that would provide suitable protection of the intellectual property underlying the findings, given the continuous developments and new applications for microencapsulation identified by researchers in the course of testing. At the outset, the findings presented to SISTER - relating to the new formula for a delivery system that improves the therapeutic effectiveness of the vaccines obtained from Vibrio anguillarum and Pasteurella piscida in aquaculture - proved suitable for the delivery of other active substances in animals and later also in humans, particularly for the chemopreventive treatment of diabetic nephropathy. The comprehensive enhancement effort also included:
- a market analysis for the use of microspheres in animals
- a validation process, that is currently underway, aimed at substantiating the system’s performance for use in humans
- ongoing support for the management of relations with potential partners and/or buyers of the technology.
Research enhancement result The development of new applications and the intrinsic potential for product diversification of this result have gradually prompted researchers to create a business project. The “Microspheres” project is currently a candidate for the Innovation Factory spin-off actions. The purpose of the new business initiative is to produce microspheres for animal applications, with two lines of development for human usage. To begin with, vaccinations will be delivered for infections in fish farms. << back
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