Metabolomic Discoveries GmbH has joined the competence consortium NEU² (“new drugs against neurological diseases”) to strengthen its product development portfolio in the area of neurodegenerative diseases. The Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME) is a partner in four new MS-related translational research projects with an overall volume of 4 million Euros. One of these projects, which is coordinated by Dr. Ole Pless from Fraunhofer IME, aims at identifying biomarker candidates for MS in metabolites and regulatory RNA molecules in collaboration with Metabolomic Discoveries GmbH and the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (Prof. Dr. Manuel Friese).
Dr. Pless: “To date, no biomarkers have been reported that are able to reliably monitor the extent and progression of neurodegeneration in MS. These could facilitate the development of new and more efficient MS drugs. We are pleased that Metabolomic Discoveries has joined the consortium to strengthen our efforts in finding and validating new metabolite-derived biomarker candidates.” Fraunhofer IME ScreeningPort laboratories are directly embedded into the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE). “This allows us to drive biomarker development in close collaboration with clinical experts,” says Pless.
Dr. Nicolas Schauer, CEO of Metabolomic Discoveries about the project: “Multiple Sclerosis is a very complex disease with still many unknowns. Since 2009, the NEU2 consortium has initiated significant translational research and drug development projects. We are eager to join them in developing biomarkers to help overcome this devastating disease.”
About NEU²
The NEU² consortium, which includes amongst others the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Merck KGaA, Biotest AG, Evotec AG and the Fraunhofer IME ScreeningPort, is one of the three winners of the nationwide BioPharma competition of the BMBF in 2009. The consortium aims to develop new drugs and diagnostic concepts for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases. Promoter is the VDI / VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH, Berlin.
About Fraunhofer IME
The Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME conducts applied life sciences from molecule to ecosystem. The interdisciplinary organization operates laboratories with modern equipment including GMP facilities and complex environmental simulation systems, thereby enabling research and services in the areas of molecular biology and applied ecology. Through the strategic orientation along the R & D value chain, the Fraunhofer IME follows its mission to accelerate the launch of innovative products, develop new technologies and supports long-term cooperation with partners from industry, SMEs and academia. The Fraunhofer IME has over 600 employees at locations in Schmallenberg, Aachen, Münster, Gießen, Frankfurt/Main and Hamburg as well as in the US and Chile.
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