Molecular Therapeutics
"Our goal is to discover new molecular therapies that can address unmet medical needs based on novel targets and/or mechanisms of action."
DR. ANTONIO PINEDA LUCENA DIRECTOR. MOLECULAR THERAPEUTICS RESEARCH PROGRAM
In the Molecular Therapeutics Program at Cima we focus on discovering new molecular therapies that can address unmet medical needs.
Once a new target or mechanism of action (MoA) is discovered, our first objective is to identify chemical probes for in vitro validation. From these chemical probes, we develop new proprietary chemical series that we optimize in order to perform in vivo validation of the new target, both from an efficacy and safety point of view; and to rule out possible associated toxicity.
We minimize risks by validating the target in vivo and developing pharmacological tools with intellectual property (IP). Thus, for its translation to the clinic, we work with a protected "Markush" formula, which can be explored and optimized to obtain "optimized leads" and identify the most suitable for the clinical phase: pre-clinical candidate.
This working space with intellectual property makes it possible for third parties (e.g., pharmaceutical companies) with more experience and capabilities to invest in our research and bring the results to the patient, our main objective.
Our activity integrates oncology research within the Chemical Therapies Research Area of the Cancer Center Clínica Universidad de Navarra. This union strengthens the interaction between scientists and doctors at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra to develop high-impact translational projects that can lead to examples of personalized medicine.
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Oncology research integrated in the
Cancer Center Clinica Universidad de Navarra
Objectives of the Research Program in Molecular Therapies
Validation
in vitro e in vivo
In order to know the efficacy and safety of new targets or mechanisms of action of clinical interest through the use of new molecules.
Development of
therapeutic agents
Design of new molecules for multifactorial optimization and to reach the patient as quickly as possible.
External collaboration
with companies
We make it possible for external companies, with capacity and resources, to invest in the project and take it to the patient, which is our main objective.
THERAPEUTIC ALTERNATIVES
New molecular therapies
We have different approaches, based on peptides, aptamers and small molecules, which allow us to cover a wide spectrum of alternatives for the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Our research groups
We are looking for pharmacological tools to validate in vivo, in terms of efficacy and safety, new therapeutic targets.
Medicinal Chemistry
Discovery of small molecules with therapeutic potential.
Aptamers
Development of new aptamers with future therapeutic or diagnostic applications.
Peptides
Optimization of in vitro chemical probes indicated as therapeutic strategies.
Meet the research team
Scientific activity of the
Molecular Therapeutics Research Program
Latest scientific publications
- Identification and experimental validation of druggable epigenetic targets in hepatoblastoma Oct 24, 2023 | Magazine: Journal of Hepatology
- Endogenous retroelement activation by epigenetic therapy reverses the Warburg effect and elicits mitochondrial-mediated cancer cell death May 1, 2021 | Magazine: Cancer Discovery
- Quantitative Assessment of Dietary (Poly)phenol Intake: A High-Throughput Targeted Metabolomics Method for Blood and Urine Samples Jan 13, 2021 | Magazine: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
- Targeted Metabolomics Analyses Reveal Specific Metabolic Alterations in High-Grade Prostate Cancer Patients Oct 2, 2020 | Magazine: Journal of Proteome Research