This project concerns then development of advanced pharmaceutical products with the help of nano-technology for the selective administration of cancer drugs, such as Ixabepilone, in cases of cancerous tumours.

The aim is the development of novel carriers ('drug forms') of the active substance Ixabepilone for a more effective treatment of breast cancer. Ixabepilone belongs to a new category of drugs named epothilones and was specifically developed for patients with high resistance to other types of chemotherapy. The great advantage of Ixabepilone is its powerful anti-cancer action, which however is accompanied by significant side effects.

Technologically speaking, the activity of the project falls within the framework of Nano-medicine, since advanced nano-technology platforms were used to develop the carriers. More specifically, it studied the use of thermosensitive polymer nano-carriers and hybrid magnetic nano-carriers.

The project extends from the development of nano-carriers and their full characterisation to the study of their behaviour both in vitro in suitable cell series and in vivo in cancer models. Within the framework of this project, multifunctional nano-carriers were synthesised for the first time for the selective delivery of Ixabepilone in cancerous tumours and were evaluated using pioneering methods such as real-time confocal microscopy.

This project enables Greek academic institutions and the Greek company PHARMATHEN to actively participate in the development of Nano-medicine, a rapidly developing and greatly promising sector. Additionally, it enables the development of know-how in the field of Nano-medicine within Greece, which can lead to products of high added value and high social value, with positive consequences for the development and competitiveness of the local economy. The know-how and infrastructure to be developed within the framework of NANOBILON will allow PHARMATHEN and the cooperating agencies to maintain and increase their presence in the research and development of products based on Nano-technology.

The project requires the employment of highly trained scientific staff, giving Greek scientists the opportunity to expand their skills, move from the academic environment to industry and vice versa, providing the opportunity for the creation of new, high quality jobs in these two different work environments.

Visit Pharmaten's website for more information: www.pharmathen.gr

ASSOCIATED AGENCIES:

• PHARMATHEN Industrial & Commercial S.A. (Coordinator) Enterprise, Attica
• Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Department of Chemical Technology and Biomechanical Chemistry, School of Chemistry Research Agency, Central Macedonia
• University of Patras, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Research Agency, Peloponnesus
• Democritus University of Thrace, Molecular Biology Laboratory Research Agency, Eastern Macedonia – Thrace