Funding for the project is for one year and will begin in March 2024. The goal is to conduct market analysis for the development lines, external validation of the business idea, the human resources plan, and the business plan.
Dr. Valeria Grazú, a research scientist at the Aragón Institute of Nanoscience and Materials (INMA), is the principal investigator. Collaborating on the project are Dr. Jesús Martínez de la Fuente from the same institution and Dr. Lorena Betancor, a professor of Protein Technology at the ORT Biotechnology Laboratory.
ACTENZYMES offers an innovative solution that uses nanomaterials to remotely control enzymes. Enzymes play a key role in industrial processes, acting as "tiny workers" that enhance the chemical reactions used in the production of products such as sweeteners, antibiotics, and pharmaceuticals.
In addition, they have the ability to enhance chemical reactions in our bodies, such as the production of drugs from harmless substances (prodrugs).
This opens up the possibility of producing chemotherapeutic drugs that can be targeted specifically to tumors, thereby reducing the side effects of chemotherapy.
ACTENZYMES has the potential to significantly transform cancer treatment.
With the support of the Spanish consulting firm IMPULSA-T, over the next 12 months, work will be done to develop a business plan for launching a company focused on refining this technology for its future market implementation.