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Research

Research projects

Casa di Cura Igea has started the following research projects, in collaboration with institutional bodies

VαMPiRE Project

The VαMPiRE Project (Validation of α-synuclein Modifications in Parkinson's dIsoRder Evolution), is a research program focused on the identification of new biomarkers for the early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and funded by the European Union under the call Horizon-HLTH-2024-DISEASE-03-two-stage.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Currently, diagnosis is based on subjective clinical assessments or expensive imaging techniques, as reliable biomarkers are lacking.

The project aims to develop an innovative in vitro diagnostic (IVD) test to detect Parkinson's disease in its early stages and monitor its progression.

Through a study of 1.200 participants (600 with PD and 600 without PD), we will analyze isoforms of the protein α-synuclein (α-Syn) in neuronal-derived extracellular vesicles (NDEVs), identifying novel biomarkers of the disease.

Using artificial intelligence and collaborations with reference laboratories and diagnostic test manufacturers, we will ensure the reliability and applicability of the prototype, with the ultimate goal of making it available for clinical use.

Implementing this test could:
✔ Anticipate the diagnosis of over 270.000 new cases of Parkinson's
✔ Improve disease management for 9,4 million patients
✔ Reduce the loss of 5,8 million DALYs (disability-adjusted life years) by 2028

VαMPiRE marks a decisive step towards an earlier and more effective diagnosis of Parkinson's, paving the way for better treatments and a greater quality of life for patients.

The VαMPiRE project involves 14 partners from 7 EU countries (Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Romania, Poland, Greece) and one from Australia.

To participate in the project click here

For more information go to the website cordis.europa.eu 

 

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Claims Project

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system, characterized by the loss of myelin and damage to neurons, leading to a variety of debilitating symptoms. There is currently no definitive cure, and available therapies have variable responses due to its heterogeneous nature.

The CLAIMS project is funded under the IHI-JU – Innovative Health Initiative Joint Undertaking and aims to make precision medicine a reality for patients with multiple sclerosis.

The research consortium will develop a diagnostic platform that will integrate clinical data and biomarkers, to provide a comprehensive view of the patient's health status and predict the progression of the disease.

Among the biomarkers used are advanced magnetic resonance imaging tools (RM) for characterizing multiple sclerosis lesions and measuring spinal cord atrophy, as well as digital biomarkers such as cognitive tests and smartphone-based physical activity monitoring.

These biomarkers will allow for precise analysis of patients, improving the personalization of treatment.

The platform will use cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI)-based models, to support prognosis and personalized therapies, improving patient outcomes and reducing overall costs of care. It will allow monitoring of disease progression, independent of relapses, and will offer advanced tools for treatment management.

CLAIMS aims to improve patient care, to ensure more effective and targeted treatment.

Discover the entire project on https://www.claims.ms/

For more information go to the website https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101112153 

CLAIMS is supported by the Innovative Health Initiative Joint Undertaking (JU) under grant agreement No 101112153. The JU receives support from the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme and from COCIR, EFPIA, EuropaBio, MedTech Europe, Vaccines Europe, AB Science SA and icometrix NV.

 

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European Health Data & Evidence Network – EHDEN

Project funded by the Innovative Medicines Initiatives (IMI) Consortium, a public-private partnership sponsored by the European Commission. The EHDEN consortium (www.ehden.eu) is composed of 140 partners, including academia, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), patient associations, regulators and pharmaceutical companies. EHDEN's mission is to provide a new paradigm for health data discovery and analysis in Europe, building a federated network of data from partners across Europe. Casa di Cura Igea's project objective will be the standardization of health data sets to achieve a Common Data Model (CDM) to support the Observational Medicine Outcomes Partnership (OMOP), also thanks to the use of analytical tools such as those developed by the Observational Health Data Sciences and Informatics (OHDSI – www.ohdsi-europe.org).

 

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PeRsOnalized Integrated CARE Solution for Elderly facing several short or long term conditions and enabling a better quality of LIFE – PROCare4Life

A study funded by the European Commission (H2020), PROCareLife's main contribution consists in proposing an integrated care ecosystem that is scalable, interactive and adaptable to different needs, benefiting all the actors involved, from patients to caregivers and healthcare professionals.

 

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Sustainable and integrated big data ecosystem for continuity of care and decision support for patients with pain – Pain-RELife

The study, funded by the Lombardy Region (POR FESR 2014-2020), aims to create a dynamic and integrated technological ecosystem based on big data management and analysis technologies aimed at the continuity of care for patients with pain that involves the entire healthcare chain, from diagnosis, to home therapy, to telemonitoring, to patient/caregiver support and that allows to support the choice process.

 

Electroencephalographic Biomarkers for Optimization and Personalization of Action Observation Therapy in Patients with Stroke Outcomes – BE_TOP

Finalized Research 2015 (Ministry of Health). The project represents a joint multicenter study with the IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana.

Virtual Coaching Activities for Rehabilitation in Elderly – vCARE

Project funded by the European Commission (H2020), aimed at developing a virtual assistant to support clinical and home rehabilitation programs.

 

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Targeting reconsolidation to strengthen memories in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment – ​​MemoMCI

Study funded by the European Commission (Marie-Curie actions), aimed at reconsolidating memory in subjects affected by Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Targeting reconsolidation to strengthen memories in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment – ​​MemoMCI

Study funded by the European Commission (Marie-Curie actions), aimed at reconsolidating memory in subjects affected by Mild Cognitive Impairment.

BRAIN@HOME

Project approved by the European AAL (Active Assisted Living) program and funded by the Ministry of Education, University and Research, in collaboration with the Media Hospital company, aimed at improving cognitive functions in healthy subjects through the use of “exergames” based on virtual reality.

PhD ITalent

Research agreement with the CRUI Foundation (Miur and Confindustia) for the development of research projects in the bio-engineering and bio-informatics context, Research projects funded by innovative companies.