Histone 1.3 – a new and unique biomarker for pancreatic cancer
Reccan Diagnostics / Roland Andersson
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most serious forms of cancer. The difficulty is to identify pancreatic cancer “early”. There are no biomarkers in either blood or tissue to provide diagnosis, prognostic / predictive help and support in selecting therapy. Research has now found a pancreatic cancer-specific marker (Histone 1.3; H1.3). The purpose is now to validate the finding in a larger patient group with pancreatic cancer. The marker may hopefully constitute a potential prognostic factor that both strengthens diagnostics and helps with the choice of therapy.
Treatment of malignant brain tumours by complementation
Henrietta Nittby Redebrandt
Glioblastoma is the most common primary brain tumour in humans. It is a diagnosis with a very bleak outcome. The goal is to analyse whether glioblastoma expresses C1-IA and CRP (proteins) that inhibit immune response by inactivating the complement system, and to test treatment in various animal models for glioblastoma. Different administering forms will be tested to study how the immune system is affected. The long-term goal is to find an alternative for all those patients who receive the dismal diagnosis, glioblastoma.
Determination of RNA sequence in real time in order to improve the survival rate in invasive bladder cancer
Fredrik Liedberg
The incidence of bladder cancer is on the increase in Sweden. The purpose of the project is to apply molecular classification with RNA sequencing technology in clinical practice to bladder cancer cases. By analysing the expression of every gene in the tumour cells, bladder cancer can be classified into subtypes, which have different prognosis and respond differently to different treatments, such as chemotherapy. By applying real-time technology, where subtypes based on RNA expression are reported to the treating urologists, a better understanding of which treatment is best for the individual / patient is achievable.
Development of a DNA-based diagnostic test for early detection of ovarian cancer
Ingrid Hedenfalk
Ovarian cancer is the main cause of death from gynaecological malignancies in the western world. The aim of the study is to develop a non-invasive diagnostic test for pre-symptomatic diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Early detection would have a profound effect on survival, which enables curative treatment for these patients. Achieving primary remedies (after surgery only) would greatly minimize the use of cytostatic drugs, which limits side effects and also reduces healthcare costs.
A new drug to cure Mucopolysaccharidosis
Marco Maccarana
Mucopolysaccharide Type I (MPS-I) belongs to the wider group of lysosomal storage disorders. The most serious form is Hurler’s syndrome. None of the available interventions for MPS-I modify central nervous system pathology, while the proposed drug reaches CNS. The subject is not yet an approved drug, but it is now being tested in several clinical trials for common diseases, such as stroke. Its low toxicity and favourable pharmacokinetic behaviour make it promising for a smooth and rapid transition for treatment of MPS-I patients, possibly in combination with the available therapeutic options.
Development of new antidiabetic treatment
Jens Lagerstedt
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease where activation of the immune system causes the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin to be destroyed. The project aims to develop a drug that can significantly reduce the risk of hypo / hyperglycaemia and sequelae; a peptide drug that will help stabilize blood glucose levels in T1D patients. Patients will enjoy a better life through improved physical and mental health.
New thinking in the treatment of the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis: Verification of a vaccine. Part II
BTB Pharma / Thomas Bäckström
The purpose of this project is to develop a vaccine for the treatment of MS. Treatment of MS in an animal model has been successful. The aim is to take this vaccine to market. Today’s medicines for autoimmune diseases are ineffective and not without side effects. There is, therefore, a great need to develop effective and safe treatments.
New image diagnostics for clear cell kidney cancer
Akuru Pharma / Jennifer Hansson
The project aims at initiating and implementing a Phase II trial in order to investigate whether an already approved diagnostic drug can be used for the detection of kidney cancer. Diagnostics could in a conclusive way contribute to a more detailed analysis of the metastasis in these patients than is currently possible. This would mean that systemic therapy could be introduced earlier, which in turn can result in patients surviving longer.
Faster sepsis diagnosis by acoustic separation and capture of bacteria in blood samples
Pelle Ohlsson
Sepsis is a general inflammatory reaction caused by an infection, often bacterial. The most common method of finding out if the reaction is caused by bacteria in the blood; and then identifying them is growing the bacteria from a blood sample, which can take one to several days. This is far too slow since the mortality rate in septic shock cases increases by 8% for every hour correct treatment is delayed. The purpose of the project is to shorten the time until correct treatment can be introduced and thus save lives.