Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale

Collaboration focused on novel target discovery in prostate cancer LONDON and BELLINZONA, Switzerland, Nov. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Peptone, a leader in translational biophysics and the design of novel therapeutics against intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), and The Institute of Oncology Research (IOR) today announced the commencement of a collaborative sponsored research agreement in prostate cancer. The collaboration will focus on the identification and progression of novel targets in oncology using translational models to develop innovative medicines for patients suffering from prostate cancer. Continue Reading Dr. Kamil Tamiola the CEO of Peptone Ltd and Prof. Andrea Alimonti, MD, Incoming Director, and Professor of Molecular Oncology at IOR as seen in The Institute of Oncology Research (IOR) in Bellinzona, Switzerland. "A collaboration with IOR combines Peptone's unique expertise targeting disordered proteins with the power of generative machine learning, unique structural insights into disordered targets and patient insights about cancer born out of seminal work from Professor Alimonti's group in Bellinzona," said Kamil Tamiola, PhD, CEO of Peptone. "Our collaboration is an excellent example of efficient technology transfer process and a burgeoning research and biotech ecosystem in Ticino, Switzerland." Peptone is applying advanced biophysics atomic-level experimental approaches, including a novel ultra-low latency hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS), supercomputing and generative AI to interrogate and drug intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). IDPs are proteins that play a significant role in health and disease but because they lack a fixed structure, have been intractable or undruggable with conventional drug discovery approaches. "Prostate cancer remains a highly prevalent disease with significant unmet clinical needs," said Professor Andrea Alimonti, MD, Incoming Director, and Professor of Molecular Oncology at IOR. "We are delighted to partner with Peptone on this research collaboration focused on novel target discovery in prostate cancer. Recent findings from my team demonstrate that advanced prostate cancer is regulated by several intrinsically disordered proteins, many of which can also control the tumor immune response. Targeting these proteins is a promising approach to this challenging disease." About Peptone Peptone is a translational biophysics company focused on the discovery of novel therapeutics against diseases driven by intrinsically disordered proteins. IDPs are proteins without a fixed structure that play a significant role in health and disease. For more information about Peptone, visit peptone.io. About IOR Bellinzona The Institute of Oncology Research, established in 2003 in Bellinzona (Switzerland), is affiliated with the Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI). It hosts researchers from all over the world performing basic and translational research in oncology with a particular focus on cancer biology, genomics, molecular oncology and experimental therapeutics. The IOR is located in a brand-new high-tech research building that hosts more than 20 different research groups, with state-of-the-art labs and facilities. Together with the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), the IOR is a member of the Bellinzona Institutes of Science (Bios⁺), a recently established non-profit association aiming to promote, support and coordinate scientific research and teaching activities of its members. SOURCE Peptone

NHS-approved digital therapeutics company, my mhealth, along with three European collaborators, have been awarded a €2.5 million Eurostars Grant for the development of their project, CUOREMA. Eurostars is a European joint programme, co-funded from the national budgets of 36 EUREKA countries and by the European Union through Horizon 2020. Innovate UK will also sponsor my mhealth to develop part of its myHeart app to support cardiac rehabilitation in Europe. The programme provides funding and support and is aimed at R&D-performing SMEs that are interested in international collaboration. The application process is competitive, with 506 applications submitted from across 36 countries. The evaluation process considers quality, impact and excellence for assessment. WHY IT MATTERS Together with three European partners; Ospedale Malcantonese (OSCAM) in Switzerland, Games for Health in the Netherlands and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), the project aims to utilise the cardiac rehabilitation element of the myHeart app and incorporate biofeedback, intelligent algorithms and gamification features. "Each organisation brings a very unique perspective to the table, allowing for a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to tackling heart health." -Dr Simon Bourne, chief executive officer of my mhealth During the three years of planning and development, the platform will be formally researched in the UK and several European countries through formal clinical trials. The CUOREMA project will focus on developing a new, patient-centred cardiac rehabilitation support system. The technology will provide a new systematic method of social and biological feedback from wearable devices and the app will include built-in behaviour change support systems, with mixed reality and immersive technology to improve medical adherence and clinical outcomes. With COPD as a primary area of focus, my mhealth was recognised by the judging panel for its array of clinical and technological experts in this area, as well as experience in digital therapeutics. The project achieved the highest scores in the Innovation and R&D category. Once developed, the app will be compatible for use across the European Union and will be available in French, Italian, Portuguese, German and Spanish. THE LARGER CONTEXT In recent news within the region, plans for the EU-wide "Digital Green Certificates” have moved a step forward, with member states agreeing on the main technical specifications for the plans. The European Commission has published its draft on the adequate protection of personal data in the UK, which will be formally implemented if approved by member states. ON THE RECORD Dr Simon Bourne, chief executive officer of my mhealth, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with such talented and diverse teams on this innovative and important project over the next few years. Each organisation brings a very unique perspective to the table, allowing for a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to tackling heart health. I am extremely passionate about digital health and this has the potential to change many lives for the better, helping us transform cardiac rehabilitation for patients across Europe.”