Our lab is buzzing with activity, fueled by new grants and promising projects set to unfold in 2024. We eagerly await the publication of groundbreaking research and the filing of patent applications. The collaborative spirit within our team enhances creativity, fostering an environment where diverse talents converge to push the boundaries of scientific exploration. With an eye on both academic contributions and real-world applications, we're poised for a dynamic year of innovation and impactful discoveries.

Marchetti L, Simon-Gracia L, Lico C, Mancuso M, Baschieri S, Santi L, Teesalu T. Nanomaterials (Basel). 2023 Apr 21;13(8):1428. doi: 10.3390/nano13081428. PMID: 37111013

We are thrilled to share the exciting news of our latest achievement in securing European funding. The consortium led by Prof. Pilar Sanchez Gomez from Unidad de Neurooncología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Spain, has successfully obtained support for the project titled "Reaching the heterogeneous vascular landscape of glioblastoma with multifunctional nanomedicines." The Transcan-3 grant application was not only approved but also activated in late 2023.

The "ReachGLIO" project is poised to pave the way for a groundbreaking pre-clinical framework, essential for the development of a novel and effective therapy targeting high-grade gliomas. The approach involves the utilization of dual-targeted nanoparticles loaded with potent anti-cancer drugs. Furthermore, the project explores the potential synergy of this approach when combined with peptide-guided tumor necrosis factor.

This success marks a significant milestone in our pursuit of advancing cancer therapeutics. The funded project will contribute valuable insights and data, bringing us one step closer to a more effective treatment for glioblastomas. We express our gratitude to the Transcan-3 grant program for recognizing the potential impact of our research and supporting our efforts to combat high-grade gliomas.

In 2023, our laboratory has been actively engaged in securing intellectual property (IP) for the innovative inventions developed within our research initiatives. We are pleased to announce significant progress in this endeavor, marked by the submission of two patent applications:

"BRAIN PENETRATING PEPTIDES AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF", Authors: Tambet Teesalu, Kristina Põšnograjeva, Maarja Haugas, Kadri Toome, patent application submitted in August 2023.

"PEPTIDES TARGETING INFECTED TISSUES AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF", US patent application submitted in May 2023.

These patent applications represent our commitment to translating cutting-edge research into tangible solutions. As a research and development institution, the University of Tartu continues to foster an environment that encourages innovation and the protection of intellectual property. Our ongoing commitment to protecting intellectual property ensures that the fruits of our labor have the potential to make a lasting impact on society.

Our Laboratory of Precision and Nanomedicine is proud to announce a recent feature article in the Estonian daily newspaper Eesti Päevaleht and news portal Delfi on October 11, 2023. The article delves into the impactful research conducted at the lab and explores the potential clinical implications of our work in the field of anticancer drug development.

In the feature, Professor Tambet Teesalu offers a comprehensive overview of the ongoing research initiatives within the laboratory. He sheds light on the innovative approaches being explored and discusses how these endeavors could lead to the development of more efficacious and better-tolerated anticancer drugs.

For a detailed insight into the interview and to explore the groundbreaking advancements in cancer treatment technology, you can read the full article here: Estonian Daily Eesti Päevaleht Feature.

We extend our gratitude to Eesti Päevaleht/Delfi for highlighting our research efforts, and we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of precision and nanomedicine for the advancement of cancer therapeutics. Stay tuned for more updates on our exciting journey.