These nanosystems were developed and patented by the researcher M\u00aa Jos\u00e9 Alonso from the Universidad de Santiago de Compostela<\/i> and by Advancell. Made from polymers of biological origin, these systems allow research into new forms of drug delivery (oral, nasal or topical) that improve application of the agent. Using these systems at nanometric scale, Advancell is working on a formula for the oral administration of insulin for diabetics, among other projects. <\/p>\n
“From 2006 to 2007, we aim to complete the drug development stage and begin clinical trails of our current projects. In addition to oral administration of insulin, these projects include oral administration of heparin, an anti-coagulant used in surgical interventions, and a topical formula for cyclosporine, an active principle for the treatment of dermatological disease, including psoriasis”, commented the director of Advancell, Llu\u00eds Ruiz. Furthermore, the company aims to achieve the maximum development of the technology through collaboration with other enterprises or institutions, mainly in the field of ocular applications and non-injectable vaccines. <\/p>\n
In addition, Advancell has a licensed contract from the Universitat de Barcelona<\/i> for a therapeutic agent for lymphocytic leukemia, “Acadesine”, which was granted orphan drug status by the European Union. If the experimental results with “Acadesine” confirm its efficacy in phase II clinical trials, it is anticipated that it may serve as a complementary treatment, currently limited to more advanced stages, to present-day therapies and may also allow chemotherapy protocols to begin earlier. <\/p>\n
Founded by researchers at the Universitat de Barcelona<\/i> and the Hospital de La Fe<\/i> in Val\u00e8ncia, Advancell began its activity in 2001 by developing and providing in vitro<\/i> services and products with the aim to determine the efficacy and safety of potential new compounds. The company is supported by CIDEM and receives financing support from the risk capital enterprise BCNempr\u00e8n. At present, the companies Talde, Unirisco and Habitat are also stakeholders. <\/p>\n
With the new capital increase, Antoni Vila Casas holds 6.68% of the company and Ceosa 13.35%. According to a spokesperson for the ONCE corporation, the decision to invest in the biotech enterprise has been made on the grounds of profitability and the social potential of the research performed, mainly through the development of orphan drugs devoted to the treatment of serious or rare diseases that are overlooked by large laboratories. In this new phase, by the end of 2005, Advancell aims to have reached a turnover of 1.5 million euros.<\/p>\n
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