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Patrick Tresserras, Avizorex CEO, during the 10th EmprendedorXXI Awards Ceremony (Photo: "la Caixa").
 16.11.2016

Avizorex receives the EntrepreneurXXI Award in the Lifes Science category

Today, the Caixaforum auditorium in Barcelona has hosted the 10th EmprendedorXXI Awards Ceremony, an initiative promoted by "la Caixa", through Caixa Capital Risc, and co-awarded by the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness, through Enisa.The biotechnology company, Avizorex Pharma, an ophthalmology biotech company with offices at Barcelona Science Park (PCB), has received the award in the Life Sciences category.

 

Avizorex Pharma is a Spanish ophthalmology biotech company founded in 2013 in Alicante (Spanish autonomous community of Valencia), with offices at Barcelona Science Park (PCB). The biotech is focused on developing novel therapies for Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) based on Prof. Carlos Belmonte’s research on the role of temperature-sensitive neurons in tear film regulation at the Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante (IN). The findings of his studies were published in Nature Medicine in 2010 (doi:10.1038/nm.2264) and demonstrated that stimulation of a protein called TRMP8 activates cold receptors present on the surface of the eye and increases tear secretion naturally, hence reducing ocular dryness. 

The company announced in July 2016 the submission of a Clinical Trial Application (CTA) to the Spanish Competent Authority, requesting clearance to initiate a Phase I/II clinical trial investigating the use of AVX-012 Ophthalmic Solution, a small molecule with a novel mechanism of action to treat patients suffering from mild to moderate Dry Eye Syndrome (DES). 

A reference call for innovation projects in Spain

The EntrepreneurXXI Awards, considered as one of the reference calls for innovation projects in Spain, are aimed at entrepreneurs who stand out in the implementation of innovation into fundamental aspects of their business because of their growth potential and global vision. Since its creation in 2007, a total of  5.210 new companies have participated in the initiative and 289 have been awarded in some of the categories or different existing prizes.

545 applications were submitted to this 10th edition of the call ‘entrepreneur’. The awards have distinguished the best companies in the categories of Life Sciences, Information Technology, Digital Business, Agrifood and Industrial Technologies.The winners of each sector have obtained a cash prize of €25,000  and free access for 6 months to the Peer-to-Peer Advisory Board, monthly meetings led by a coach with the objective of mentoring the CEOs in the definition of the strategy Growth of your company.

In addition, they will have access to an personalized mentoring program valued at 25,000 euros, with activities adapted to the needs and stage of development, and preferential access to the financing of Caixa Capital Risc and Enisa. Also, the three finalists of each sector, will also accede gratuitously to the mentoring program. 

 

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