SEA4CIPN

Explore the viability of transferring the knowledge on two analgesic molecules to the United States of America marketINNOWWIDE – 2020-1056

Project acronym: Sea4CIPN

Main goal: Explore the viability of transferring the knowledge on two analgesic molecules to the United States of America market. For this purpose, an extensive analysis of the freedom to operate (FTO) is required, as well as the development of proper technology protection and valorization strategies. Another requirement for the success of the envisioned knowledge transfer is a market assessment to determine both the social impact and the commercial potential.

Project ID | 2020-1056 INNOWWIDE

Starting date | 28/09/2020

Ending date | 27/01/2021

Project Value | 86.625€

Approved funding | 60.000€

Goals, Activities, and Results

Sea4Us has been researching the neural structures involved in the signaling and propagation of pain. Ion channels are cell membrane proteins that allow ions to pass through them, such as sodium, or potassium, shaping action potentials and other electrical signals by gating the flow of ions across the cell membrane.

Recently, Sea4Us identified analgesic potential on two molecules already available on the market for other indications, meaning they are approved by both the Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency for human use.

Sea4Us discovered a new application for these molecules by demonstrating ex vivo that they can block two key ion channels – Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 – which are the most expressed sodium channels in pain-sensitive neurons and, therefore, constitute prime therapeutic targets in the context of chronic pain treatment. By modulating these channels, peripheric neurons can be “switched off”, effectively blocking the transmission of pain signals to the brain and consequently preventing pain perception.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a progressive, enduring, and often irreversible condition that afflicts up to 40% of the patients undergoing chemotherapy. Treatment for CIPN often carries negative side effects, especially when it comes to opioid use. The administration of the two already mentioned molecules can reduce and, in some cases, eliminate CIPN completely in animal models (in vivo). Because they act in the peripheral nervous system, instead of in the brain, the side effects are few or non-existent, thus being better tolerated by patients and providing a better quality of life.

Sea4Us aims, within this project, to explore the viability of transferring this knowledge to the United States of America market. An extensive analysis of the freedom to operate (FTO) is required, as well as the development of proper technology protection and valorization strategies. Another requirement for the success of the envisioned knowledge transfer is a market assessment to determine both the social impact and the commercial potential. The results from this exploratory assessment will enable Sea4Us to adjust their go-to-market and research strategies and possibly enable the commercialization of the novel therapeutic application, bringing a disruptive and definitive solution to the patients suffering from CIPN..