Research consortium is led by the University of Coimbra. Idea is to accelerate the gene therapy in Europe.
A gene therapy It is an innovative therapeutic approach. It develops new treatments for various diseases, especially rare pathologies, and allows a healing approach in many cases with only a single treatment administration.
This method has been revolutionizing the treatment and progression of, for example, neuromuscular or ophthalmological diseases, such as spinal muscle atrophy or leber congenital amaurosis.
But there is still about 7 000 rare diseases, 95% of which without effective therapy.
It is in this context that the GeneH: Excellence Hub for Advancing Innovation in Gene Therapy. It is the new investigation consortium, led by University of Coimbra. The priority is Accelerate to gene therapy na Europe.
The project wants to make the application of innovative therapies more quickly for genetic diseases today cure. For this, it intends to apply scientific knowledge in the clinical part, which is fundamental for the advancement of treatments.
Professor Luís Pereira de Almeida explains that, despite the scientific advances in the Genic Therapy, “there are significant challenges that we need to overcome to ensure that these innovations actually reach patients.”
“The realization of clinical trials In this area it is still limited Due to the regulatory complexity, the lack of specialized infrastructures and the reduced financing available for clinical development ”, contextualizes the researcher.
“Our team wants to ensure that innovations come safely and effectively, people with genetic diseases that can be treated with genic therapy as soon as possible, as well as ensuring that the needs of patients are heard,” says Luís Pereira de Almeida.
The Geneh will involve entities from two countries: Portugal and Slovenia, and to be attended by 13 partners.
The consortium is funded by the European Commission and involves financing almost 5 million euros. It will create, by the end of 2028, narrow collaborations between gym, industry, government entities and society, through a quadruple propeller approach.
