Think of your DNA as a cookbook and epigenetics as the sticky notes that tell your body which recipes to use. Some viruses, like HIV and SARS-CoV-2, leave permanent sticky notes that keep the body in a state of inflammation even after the virus is gone. This research finds those specific notes to understand why some people suffer from long-term brain fog and neurological issues.
Medical professionals and insurers often dismiss 'Long Covid' symptoms due to a lack of objective biomarkers. Similarly, HIV patients suffer neurological decay that current antiretroviral treatments cannot prevent.
A system for defining personal epigenetic profiles and identifying host protein targets that drive virus-associated disease.
If you are a drug discovery firm dealing with a lack of targets for chronic viral symptoms — this project developed a map of epigenetic marks that can be used to create 'epidrugs' to reset the immune system.
If you are a medical testing laboratory dealing with the skepticism surrounding 'Long Covid' symptoms — this project developed objective epigenetic biomarkers that can prove the existence of the disease in patients.
If you are a specialized clinic dealing with neurocognitive decline in aging HIV patients — this project developed a way to identify personal epigenetic profiles to predict and treat neurological decay.
Based on available project data, the specific cost of implementation is not provided, though the research is supported by a EUR 6,932,308 EU contribution.
Based on available project data, the project uses cutting-edge epigenetic analyses and immune monitoring tools, but industrial scaling specifications are not yet detailed.
Based on available project data, the project aims to identify targets for novel therapeutic interventions, but specific patent or licensing agreements are not listed.
The project addresses the gap where up to 50% of individuals develop neurocognitive decline despite effective ART, aiming to provide complementary epigenetic treatments.
The project runs from 2022-09-01 to 2027-08-31, suggesting that validated targets and biomarkers will be available toward the end of this period.
The consortium is research-heavy but possesses a significant industrial component with a 33% industry ratio. It consists of 6 partners across 5 countries (DE, ES, IT, MT, SE), including 2 universities, 1 research organization, and 3 industry-linked entities (including 1 SME). This mix suggests a strong pipeline from academic discovery to potential commercial application.
Contact FUNDACIO PRIVADA INSTITUT DE RECERCA SOBRE IMMUNOPATOLOGIES-CAIXA (IRSICAIXA) in Spain
Contact SciTransfer to connect with the EPIVINF consortium for biomarker licensing.
