PROTEIN CARRIERS FOR PASSAGE OF THE BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | LINNÉUNIVERSITETET - Institutionen för kemi och biomedicin |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 2 331 458 |
| Project duration | January 2016 - November 2018 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
The goal of the project “Protein carriers for passage of the blood-brain barrier” is to carry out a multidisciplinary research project within the areas of protein engineering and neurochemistry. The developed small proteins will be able to effectively cross and deliver drugs over the blood-brain barrier. In the long term we plan to simplify the treatment of neurological disorders by establishing a generalized platform for drug delivery into the central nervous system.
Expected results and effects
The funding support from VINNOVA is the basis for both successful establishment of the research project in which we design small proteins for effective delivery to the brain but also for positively impacting the academic carrier development for the recipient. Both goals are within the reach of accomplishment: i) The research goal will be met by scientific publications in respectable journals where we describe the development of protein binders, and ii) Academic merits for Associate Professor are sufficiently qualifying to support the application for promotion.
Planned approach and implementation
The funded project has been carried out by establishing collaborations mainly with research laboratories abroad, to validate our developed binders, but also to get access to the best and most up-to-date protein engineering methods. The short-term goal is now to establish a realistic cell-based in vivo system for validation of our protein carriers. We are currently applying funding and establishing collaborations to develop these carriers for patent applications. The long-term goal is to establish foundation to start up a biotech company.