Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Novel approaches for prevention and degeneration of pathogenic bacteria biofilms formed on medical devices e.g. catheters (NOVO)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Health
Destination: Translating research for human health
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Austria,Israel,Spain,Germany,Germany,Portugal,Austria,Bulgaria
Call:  (FP7-HEALTH-2011-two-stage, 2011)
Start date: 2012-01-01
End date: 2014-12-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 3933882.05
EU funding (EUR): 2971045.0
Participants: 12
Project status: CLOSED

Biofilms are bacterial communities encased in a self-produced hydrated polymeric matrix. An important characteristic of microbial biofilms is their innate resistance to the immune system and susceptibility to antibiotics. This resistance has made microbial biofilms a common cause of medical infections, and difficult-to-treat infections caused by colonized foreign bodies. The NOVO project aims at developing novel approaches to prevent and/or degrade biofilms on catheters elongating their usage in humans up to 10 days. Two complementary approaches for biofilm prophylaxis will be developed: A. Ultrasonic coating of Inorganic antibiofouling agents (process developed by partner BIU) based on a single step sonochemical process to: a) Produce metal fluorides or metal oxides (e.g. MgF2, ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) and simultaneously b) Impregnate them as antibacterial factors on the catheters. c) Co-coating with bio-inert polymer layers (containing highly hydrophilic antifouling polyethylene glycol, zwitterionic moieties or sugar-groups) grafted onto NPs of adjusted size to the size of MgF2/ZnO NPs or directly onto MgF2/ZnO NPs; to form a hydrogel layer for the protection of the MgF2/ZnO antibiofouling activity. B. Bio/organic antibiofouling activation: 1) Novel coating for catheters based on radical catalyzed polymers to yield anti-bacterial activity. An enzymatic reaction will be applied on the phenolic compounds to generate phenolic radicals to be further polymerized on the catheter surface as an antibiofilm agent. 2) Develop and engineer Cellobiose Dehydrogenases (CDH) that actively oxidizes and degrades biofilms polysaccharides concomitantly producing stoichiometrically H2O2 as antibacterial agent. The enzymes will be coated on the catheters via a lubricant or by the Ultrasonic (US) process after their immobilization. Some novel CDH representatives already show very low activity on glucose which should be removed by further genetic engineering.

Keywords: microbial biofilms,catheters,ultrasonic coating,inorganic nps,enzymes,bio-polymers,radical catalyzed polymers,cellobiose dehdrogenases (cdh)
EUROpean consortium for antiCALINs as next generation high-affinity protein therapeutics (EUROCALIN)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Health
Destination: Biotechnology, generic tools and medical technologies for human health
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Germany,Austria,Netherlands,United Kingdom,Germany,United Kingdom,United Kingdom,Germany,Germany
Call:  (FP7-HEALTH-2011-two-stage, 2011)
Start date: 2011-08-01
End date: 2015-11-30
Duration (months): 52.0
Total project cost (EUR): 8730394.21
EU funding (EUR): 5996303.5
Participants: 11
Project status: CLOSED

The consortium aims to develop and produce an Anticalin, a member of a novel high-affinity scaffold derived from the lipocalin protein family. The Anticalin is specific for hepcidin which is a central regulator of iron homeostasis, and will be used to antagonize hepcidin for the treatment of “anemia of chronic disease” (ACD). Anticalins are genetically modified lipocalins that can target almost any desired molecule. Unlike Immunoglobulins, they can be produced at low cost in microbial expression systems, are expected to be non immunogenic and offer therapeutic advantages where antibody effector functions are not desired. ACD, the most frequent anemia in hospitalized patients, develops in subjects suffering from infections, inflammatory and auto-immune disease, cancer and chronic kidney disease. It is often successfully treated by administering Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents. However, a significant number of patients are hypo- or non-responsive to ESA. Anti-hepcidin therapies, alone or together with ESAs, may improve anemia and the patients’ erythropoietic response and enable the use of no or even much lower ESA doses, avoiding the potential detrimental effects of high doses of ESA. The Consortium has already generated proof-of-concept data in an animal model with early candidates. The project aims at identifying, validating, and developing a specific, high affinity drug candidate based on the lipocalin scaffold as promising alternatives to immunoglobulins and a therapeutic approach based on the neutralization of hepcidin. Animal models will be developed and utilized to characterize pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic relationships, optimize dosing, to determine safety, biomarker responses and potential synergy with ESA’s. Furthermore, production processes will be optimized leading to a scalable GMP process which provides material for preclinical and clinical studies to establish the safety, tolerability, and PK/PD of an Anticalin hepcidin blocker (Phase Ia/b).

Keywords: protein therapeutic,high affinity protein scaffold,non-immunoglobulin,lipocalin,anticalin,anemia of chronic disease
Linking perturbed maternal environment during periconceptional development, due to diabetes, obesity or assisted reproductive technologies, and altered health during ageing. (EPIHEALTH)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Health
Destination: Translating research for human health
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Hungary,United Kingdom,United Kingdom,Germany,United Kingdom,Germany,Italy
Call:  (FP7-HEALTH-2011-two-stage, 2011)
Start date: 2011-11-01
End date: 2015-10-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 3840855.21
EU funding (EUR): 2942356.0
Participants: 7
Project status: CLOSED

Scientific evidence clearly indicates that ageing and health in adult life is programmed by genetic and epigenetic mechanisms early in life. Developmental plasticity in response to the environment, including nutrient availability, of mammalian embryos indicates the capacity for newly emerging embryonic and extraembryonic cell lineages to initiate compensatory responses which may attune nutrient delivery to the needs of the developing fetus. EpiHealth will focus on these early events in several relevant models(diabetes, obesity and assisted reproductive technologies (ART)),using human samples, stem cell lines, animal models and data mining/bioinformatics tools to decipher some of the most important pathways and to offer options for early intervention to avoid adverse health effects. Main goal of the project is to improve health of the human population by understanding the mechanisms and pathways in early development, with special emphasis on epigenetic changes and developmentally relevant metabolic signalling, which create biological variation and have a long term effect on the health of individuals across the lifespan. Specific goals include: i)Identification of the main genetic pathways affecting the health of the developing embryos in a diabetic or obese maternal environment; ii) Identification of the main genetic and metabolic pathways affected and epigenomic and imprinting perturbations from mouse and human ART resulting in altered health of the progeny; iii)Discovery of the key genes and pathways affecting epigenetic and imprinting sensitivity in early stages of development in order to create intervention tools against epigenetic mis-programming; iv)Linking for the first time by bioinformatics tools the longevity related pathways and those susceptible to early epigenetic perturbations in order to explain how early events influence the health and lifespan of individuals; v)Studying the possibilities of early intervention by controlling the maternal environment.

Keywords: embryo,epigenetics,diabetes,assisted reproduction,longevity genes
GaN Quantum Devices for T-Ray Sources (TERAGAN)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Systems and communication engineering
Countries involved: France
Call:  (ERC-2011-StG_20101014, 2011)
Start date: 2012-01-01
End date: 2017-06-30
Duration (months): 66.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1627236.0
EU funding (EUR): 1627236.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

T-rays, often called terahertz radiation or submillimeter waves, are loosely defined as the wavelengths from 30 µm to 1,000 µm, or the frequencies from 10 THz to 300 GHz. This non-ionizing radiation appears as a harmless alternative to x-rays in medical, biological and security screening. Current solutions in terms of coherent sources of T-rays either require cryogenic temperatures or are relatively bulky equipments based on optically-pumped materials. The solid-state recourse consisting of GaAs-based quantum cascade lasers presents an intrinsic limitation in operation temperature: The low energy of the longitudinal-optical (LO) phonon in arsenide compounds hinders laser emission beyond 180 K at 4 THz, and forces operation below the liquid nitrogen temperature (< 70 K) for frequencies below 1 THz. Overcoming this limitation requires a technology revolution through introduction of a new material system. This project aims at exploring a novel semiconductor technology for high-performance photonic devices operating in the T-ray spectral region. The advanced materials that we will investigate consist of nitride-based [GaN/Al(Ga,In)N] superlattices and nanowires, where we can profit from unique properties of III-nitride semiconductors, namely the large LO-phonon energy and the strong electron-phonon interaction. Our target is to adapt the quantum cascade design and fabrication technology to these new materials, characterized by intense internal polarization fields. Our project aims at pushing intersubband transitions in this material family to unprecendently long wavelengths, in other to cover the whole T-ray spectral gap with coherent solid-state sources operating at room temperature and above.

Keywords: intersubband,quantum cascade,gan,terahertz,laser,optoelectronics
Development and Manufacture of High Temperature Composite Aero Engine Parts (HICOMP)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Joint Technology Initiatives (Annex IV-SP1)
Theme: Public-private partnerships
Destination: Clean Sky
Action type: Article 171 of the Treaty
Partnership: CLEAN-SKY (Art-185)
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (SP1-JTI-CS-2010-04, 2010)
Start date: 2011-10-01
End date: 2014-01-31
Duration (months): 28.0
Total project cost (EUR): 753112.0
EU funding (EUR): 376555.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Cobham will develop and manufacture lightweight carbon fibre reinforced polymer matrix composite test components for the SAGE 4 Geared Turbofan demonstrator. The components will be manufactured from suitable high temperature resistant thermoset resin which is capable of a continuous service temperature of 350°C. Initial working sessions shall be held to review the candidate components and to develop the draft technical requirement specifications. The composites manufacturing process selection shall be dependent upon the components to be manufactured. A study shall be carried out by Cobham to identify the most cost effective manufacturing route which achieves the required performance requirements for the selected components. Development of the selected manufacturing process will be conducted in collaboration with MTU so that key design-for-manufacturing requirements are captured. Demonstrator components will be manufactured in accordance with MTU specifications and drawings. Material characterisation data will be generated for unaged and thermally aged test coupons in order to validate the composite designs.

Keywords: high temperature,composite,materials,manufacturing,aero engine
Working towards Mass Manufactured, Low Cost and Robust SOFC stacks (MMLRC=SOFC)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Joint Technology Initiatives (Annex IV-SP1)
Theme: Public-private partnerships
Destination: Fuel Cells and Hydrogen
Action type: Collaborative project
Partnership: FCH (Art-185)
Countries involved: United Kingdom,Germany,Belgium,Spain,Belgium,Italy,Germany
Call:  (FCH-JU-2010-1, 2010)
Start date: 2012-01-01
End date: 2015-06-30
Duration (months): 42.0
Total project cost (EUR): 4727248.4
EU funding (EUR): 2067975.0
Participants: 8
Project status: CLOSED

Lightweight SOFC stacks are currently being developed for stationary applications such as residential CHP units, for automotive applications such as APU and for portable devices. They supply electrical efficiencies of up to 60%, a high fuel flexibility, being able to operate on syn-gas from Diesel reforming as well as LPG, methane or hydrogen, and promising costs due to greatly reduced amounts of steel interconnect material. The project proposal addresses a novel design solution for lightweight SOFC stacks that decouples the thermal stresses within the stack and at the same time allows optimal sealing and contacting. In this way the capability for thermal cycling is enhanced and degradation of contacting reduced. Performance is increased since the force needed for secure contacting is now independent of the force required to secure gas tightness of the sealing joints. The design is highly suitable for industrial manufacturing and automated assembly. The industrial partners will build up the necessary tools and appliances for low cost production of repeating units and the automated quality control, stacking and assembly of stacks. In mobile and portable applications the requirements for thermal cycling are high. It is therefore essential that lightweight stacks have excellent thermal cycling and rapid start-up capabilities. The stack design supplies a compensation of thermo-mechanical stresses between cell and cell frame / repeating unit. Thin steel sheets with protective coating are used for the sake of cost reduction and sufficient stack lifetime, also for stationary applications. The latter will also benefit from improved start-up times, since this allows a more flexible and load-oriented operation.

Keywords: sofc,thermal cycling,rapid start-up,low-cost manufacturing,glass sealants,automated stack assembly
PRIMES: Protein interaction machines in oncogenic EGF receptor signalling (PRIMES)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Health
Destination: Translating research for human health
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Ireland,Ireland,United Kingdom,United Kingdom,United Kingdom,Spain,Germany,Germany,Germany,Sweden,Sweden,Hungary,Canada,Australia
Call:  (FP7-HEALTH-2011-two-stage, 2011)
Start date: 2011-12-01
End date: 2016-11-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 15993777.9
EU funding (EUR): 11999640.0
Participants: 14
Project status: CLOSED

PRIMES focuses on the role of protein interactions to assemble dynamic molecular machines that receive and process information to coordinate cellular responses. PRIMES investigates the following: (i) How do protein interactions contribute to the generation of biological specificity in signalling? (ii) How do pathogenetic perturbations affect protein interaction networks? (iii) How can we exploit protein interactions as therapeutic targets? We focus on the EGFR/ERBB signalling network and its role in colorectal cancer (CRC), the third most frequent cancer. The ERBB network is frequently altered in CRC either through overexpression or mutation of the receptors or downstream components. Network components have become important drug targets. Poor response rates and resistance demonstrate we lack sufficient insight to design efficacious therapies. Using proteomics, structural biology, advanced imaging and mathematical modelling we (i) map static and dynamic protein interactions in the ERBB network (ii) unravel the design principles and emergent network properties conferred by protein interactions; and (iii) validate these findings in genetic mouse models of CRC and human tissues. PRIMES aims to (i) enhance the functional pathogenetic understanding of CRC (ii) identify mechanisms of drug resistance and drug efficacy; and (iii) identify drugs that affect protein interactions to rationally manipulate network functions related to individual genetic mutations. Outcomes include (i) a dynamic, mechanistic flowchart of how protein interactions compute biochemical and biological specificity in signalling networks (ii) a functional protein interaction network of healthy and oncogenic ERBB signalling validated in mouse models of CRC and human tissues (iii) network level insights towards personalised CRC treatment based on genotype-phenotype relationships; and (iv) chemical compounds targeting protein interactions to restore normal ERBB network function or break oncogenic circuits.

Keywords: protein interactions,proteomics,imaging,structural & computational biology,erbb,colon cancer
VitaminD3-Omega3-Home Exercise- HeALTHy Ageing and Longevity Trial (DO-HEALTH)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Health
Destination: Translating research for human health
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Switzerland,France,Germany,Germany,Germany,Austria,Portugal,United Kingdom,United Kingdom,France,Germany,United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-HEALTH-2011-two-stage, 2011)
Start date: 2012-01-01
End date: 2018-06-30
Duration (months): 78.0
Total project cost (EUR): 13067968.25
EU funding (EUR): 5999548.0
Participants: 24
Project status: CLOSED

As the European population is ageing rapidly, the growing number of seniors with age-related chronic diseases poses a challenge on European societies and health care systems. Therapeutic interventions that are effective, affordable and well-tolerated in the prevention of chronic disease are urgently needed and will have an outstanding impact on public health as a whole. Among the most promising interventions that meet these requirements are vitamin D, marine omega-3 fatty acids and physical exercise. However, their individual and combined effects have yet to be confirmed in a clinical trial. The DO-HEALTH will close this knowledge gap in a large 3-year multi-centre clinical trial that will establish long-term efficacy and safety data for the 3 interventions in the prevention of age-related diseases in seniors. The DO-HEALTH trial will enrol 2152 community-dwelling men and women aged 70 and older, when chronic diseases increase substantially. The randomized-controlled trial will test the individual and the combined benefit of 2000 IU vitamin D/day, 1 g of omega-3 fatty acids/day and a simple home exercise program in an efficient factorial trial design. DO-HEALTH will establish evidence in 5 primary endpoints: the risk of incident non-vertebral fractures; the risk of functional decline; the risk of blood pressure increase; the risk of cognitive decline; and the rate of any infection. Key secondary endpoints include risk of hip fracture, rate of falls, pain in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, glucose tolerance, gastro-intestinal symptoms, mental and oral health, quality of life, and mortality. Follow-up will be in-person, in 3-monthly intervals (4 clinical visits and 9 phone calls). DO-HEALTH will further assess the comparative effectiveness of the interventions by evaluating reasons why or why not seniors adhere to them, and will assess their cost-benefit in a health economic model based on documented health care utilization and observed incidence of chronic disease.

Keywords: multi-centre clinical trial,vitamin d,omega-3 fatty acids,exercise,healthy ageing,chronic disease,seniors,prevention,health recommendations
NOX enzymes as mediators of inflammation-triggered neurodegeneration: modulating NOX enzymes as novel therapies (NEURINOX)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Health
Destination: Translating research for human health
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Switzerland,France,Sweden,France,Italy,Sweden,France,Greece,Australia
Call:  (FP7-HEALTH-2011-two-stage, 2011)
Start date: 2012-01-01
End date: 2016-12-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 17041709.47
EU funding (EUR): 11425095.0
Participants: 15
Project status: CLOSED

NEURINOX aims at elucidating the role of NADPH oxidases (NOX) in neuroinflammation and its progression to neurodegenerative diseases (ND), as well as evaluating the potential of novel ND therapeutics approaches targeting NOX activity. NOX generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and have emerged as regulators of neuroinflammation. Their role is complex: ROS generated by NOX lead to tissue damage in microglia-mediated neuroinflammation, as seen in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), while absence of ROS generation enhances the severity of autoimmune-mediated neuroinflammation, as seen for e.g. in multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of the 5 years NEURINOX project is to understand how NOX controls neuroinflammation, identify novel molecular pathways and oxidative biomarkers involved in NOX-dependent neuroinflammation, and develop specific therapies based on NOX modulation. The scientific approach will be to: (i) identify NOX-dependent molecular mechanisms using dedicated ND animal models (ii) develop therapeutic small molecules either inhibiting or activating NOX and test their effects in animal models (iii) test the validity of identified molecular pathways in clinical studies in ALS and MS patients. NEURINOX will contribute to better understand brain dysfunction, and more particularly the link between neuroinflammation and ND and to identify new therapeutic targets for ND. A successful demonstration of the benefits of NOX modulating drugs in ALS and MS animal models, and in ALS early clinical trials will validate a novel high potential therapeutics target for ALS and also many types of ND. NEURINOX has hence a strong potential for more efficient ND healthcare for patients and thus for reducing ND healthcare costs. This multi-disciplinary consortium includes leading scientists in NOX research, ROS biology, drug development SMEs, experts in the neuroinflammatory aspects of ND, genomics and proteomics, and clinicians able to translate the basic science to the patient.

Keywords: neuroinflammation,neurodegeneration,nadph oxidase,nox enzymes,oxidative stress,reactive oxygen species,target validation,clinical study,clinical trial