Development of an innovative technique to induce the formation of new blood vessels in the body
A team of researchers from the University of Coimbra directed by Sergio Simees develops since 4 years a system of transporting genetically modified virus capable of inducing in a few weeks the formation of new blood vessels in the body to treat disease. The team also benefits from the collaboration of Mauro Giacca, a researcher at the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in Trieste, Italy.
The researchers are based on research in nanotechnology researchers at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Center for Neurosciences of Coimbra for the design of new drugs. The latter have developed a carrier capable of driving a molecule to the areaof the body to deal via the bloodstream. These microsphere with receptors to identify diseased cells and release their contents from them. Coimbra researchers have thought to use these capsules for treating disease by providing genetic material coding for the formation of new blood vessels to cells in the diseased areas. They have created recombinant viruses that they have introduced into the capsules. The first tests of this gene therapy in rats has been positive. A few days after administration, they observed the first ramifications of the blood vessels and after a few weeks their maturity. The administration must be accompanied by a complementary therapy to reduce the risk of inflammation and help blood vessels to grow more quickly in order to reduce the risk of edema. Researchers still need to deepen these tests before considering the next two or three years to switch to testing on humans.
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