# Record card
284
Thematic areas
Health & Biotech
Health & Biotech / New therapies
Health & Biotech / Development of new drugs
Description
This innovative technology involves the use of a high-affinity, highly specific antibody that targets extracellular domains of connexin hemichannels (Cx26, Cx30, and Cx32). The antibody has been designed to reduce or inhibit the growth of brain tumors, particularly glioblastoma (GBM), and to alleviate the associated epilepsy. By blocking connexin hemichannels, the antibody interferes with pathological ATP release and other signaling mechanisms that contribute to tumor progression and neural hyperexcitability.
Preclinical studies in murine models demonstrate that this antibody significantly reduces tumor volume, invasiveness, and associated epileptic activity while prolonging survival.
Type of innovation
Product innovation
Description of innovative features / Competitive advantages
- High Specificity: Targets extracellular domains of connexin hemichannels (Cx26, Cx30, and Cx32), ensuring precise therapeutic action with minimal off-target effects.
- Dual Efficacy: Effective against glioblastoma tumors and associated epilepsy by addressing shared pathological mechanisms.
- Mechanistic Innovation: Inhibits ATP release and other pro-tumorigenic signaling pathways mediated by connexin hemichannels.
- Validated in Preclinical Models: Demonstrated significant reduction in tumor growth and invasiveness, as well as improvement in survival and neural activity in murine glioma models.
- Potential for Broad Applications: Suitable for multiple administration routes, including convection-enhanced delivery (CED) and adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors for sustained expression.
- Improved Patient Outcomes: Promises better efficacy compared to existing standard-of-care therapies for glioblastoma, addressing unmet needs in neuro-oncology.
Reference market
Incremental innovation
Impacts on existing markets
Development stage
Feasibility
TRL
4
5
Advantages
New product/process/service/technology
Patentable technology
Yes
Patented technology
Yes
Country/ies
Italy
Publication of technology
Published
Technology validation/demonstration
Internal validation
Market positioning
Italian
European
International
Partner required
Enteprise
Public research center/university
Private research center
Seed capital
Cooperation in national /european / international project