The spin-off located at the University of Valencia Science Park leads an international project to advance the early diagnosis and personalized treatment of this complex disease
The biotechnology company EpiDisease, spin-off located in the business area University of Valencia Science Park (PCUV), has initiated a strategic collaboration with the INCLIVA Health Research Institute and the Spine Research Foundation of Calcutta to investigate the genetic and epigenetic basis of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (EIA) in India’s youth population.
This ambitious international project aims to identify molecular biomarkers that will help improve early diagnosis and develop personalised treatments for this musculoskeletal disease, The exact cause of which is not yet known and affects millions of adolescents worldwide.
The research will be coordinated by INCLIVA’s Epigenomics and Epigenetics Translational Group, led by José Luis García Giménez, who, together with Salvador Mena Mollá, founded EpiDisease within the PCUV. Both researchers have more than a decade of experience in the study of genetic and epigenetic factors that influence the appearance and evolution of IBD. "This collaboration represents a decisive step towards understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents, especially in diverse genetic contexts such as that of the Indian population," explains García Giménez. "Our goal is to identify key biomarkers that will enable a more accurate approach to the disease in both India and other countries".
"This collaboration represents an important step towards understanding the genetic and epigenetic causes underlying idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents in one of the world’s largest populations. Our goal is to identify biomarkers that can facilitate the early diagnosis and personalized treatment of patients with AIS in Calcutta and beyond", José Luís García Giménez, founder of EpiDisease
The study will be conducted with a cohort of 300 adolescents aged 10-17 in Calcutta, and will combine molecular analysis of biological samples with rigorous clinical evaluation. The care side of the project will be led by Saumyajit Basu, prestigious vertebral surgeon and former president of the Association of Spinal Surgeons of India (ASSI), at the head of the Spine Research Foundation. "Combining clinical experience with advanced genetic and epigenetic analysis tools will allow us to make significant progress in the treatment of EIA. This partnership is an example of how international collaboration can transform the lives of many young patients," says Basu.
The project will be led in the field by Salvador Mena Mollá, who highlights the differential value of studying the disease in diverse populations:"Genetic and epigenetic variability between different human groups may be key to understanding why this disease manifests and progresses differently depending on the context. This research will help to identify unique patterns that might go unnoticed in more homogeneous studies".
Science from the Science Park with global impact
This collaboration reflects the key role of the University of Valencia Science Park as an innovative environment where projects with high scientific, clinical and social impact are born and developed. EpiDisease is a sample of how the PCUV ecosystem boosts knowledge transfer from university to real-world applications in personalized medicine and global health.
EpiDisease
Based at PCUV, EpiDisease is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of innovative epigenetic solutions for the diagnosis and treatment of complex diseases. Its activity combines genetics, epigenetics, bioinformatics and artificial intelligence to generate high-value products in personalized medicine, cosmetics and longevity. Its services include DNA methylation analysis, microRNA studies, characterization of epigenetic biomarkers and in vitro testing of bioactive molecules. EpiDisease has recently launched the eHISTOCURE project, in collaboration with Dutch company Matisse Pharmaceuticals B.V., within the EUROSTARS programme, with funding of € 524,000 to validate a new diagnostic test for patients with sepsis and septic shock.
INCLIVA
The INCLIVA Health Research Institute, linked to the Clinical Hospital of Valencia and the University of Valencia, promotes biomedical research of excellence focused on transferring scientific knowledge to clinical practice. Its work focuses on advancing personalized medicine, developing new therapies and improving people’s health through collaboration between researchers, healthcare workers and innovative companies.
Spine Research Foundation
The Spine Research Foundation, based in Calcutta (India), is a non-profit organization dedicated to the research, training and clinical care of spinal disorders. Founded 16 years ago, it has trained more than 50 specialists and published more than 60 scientific articles. For eight years now he has been operating at the Kothari Medical Center, one of the most advanced multidisciplinary hospitals in eastern India. The foundation also leads social programs to provide free surgery for children with poor scoliosis, reinforcing its commitment to equity in access to health.
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Source: EpiDisease