The early-stage drug discovery project seeks to identify inhibitors for a promising new protein target. The University of Eastern Finland also played a central role in the development of FDDC’s new Proof-of-Idea concept.
The Finnish Drug Discovery Center (FDDC) and researchers at the University of Eastern Finland’s School of Pharmacy have initiated collaboration in a new Proof-of-Idea (PoI) project to assess the feasibility of developing inhibitors against a novel small GTPase target. Small GTPase proteins are key regulators of cellular signalling pathways, and their impaired function is implicated in a range of diseases, including cancer, infections, neurodegenerative, immunological and cardiovascular diseases, as well as various developmental disorders. Identifying molecules capable of modulating these proteins could open new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
“In this project, we will use molecular dynamics simulations and computational drug design to identify potential inhibitor molecules against a novel target. Selected compounds will then be tested experimentally to validate their activity. This work will generate early feasibility data needed to evaluate the project hypothesis and guide decisions on further development and investment,” says Academy Research Fellow, Docent Tatu Pantsar, who leads the project.
The Pantsar Dynamics research group has extensive expertise in computational drug discovery, applying molecular modelling and simulation techniques to early-stage therapeutic development. GTPases are among the group's key research areas. Other members of the group participating in the project include Doctoral Researchers Milla Kurki, Renne Leini and Antti Salo. The group is part of the university’s multidisciplinary Drug Discovery and Delivery Technologies (DrugTech) research community.
The Finnish Drug Discovery Center is a state-owned special assignment company that helps researchers and start-ups turn drug development innovations into new, effective medicines and business opportunities. FDDC’s new Proof-of-Idea programme supports early-stage drug discovery projects by providing resources and up to €30,000 funding for defined feasibility studies. The project with the University of Eastern Finland is FDDC’s first PoI project in Finland, and the university also served as a key partner in developing the agreement framework utilised for these projects.
The University of Eastern Finland’s Director of Impact Minna Hendolin notes that this active collaboration has resulted in a model that benefits all parties and represents an important step for the university in enhancing the impact of its research. “The collaboration brings together the university’s research expertise and FDDC’s development activities, thereby facilitating the translation of research findings and innovations into practical solutions.”
“This project represents a significant step forward for the faculty, enhancing the impact of our research and supporting our innovation goals,” says Markus Forsberg, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences.
“We are grateful for the University of Eastern Finland’s active role in developing the upcoming PoI project and its funding model. This is an excellent example of how the needs and aspirations of organisations can be combined to find new, effective solutions for the challenging path of early drug development,” says Maarit Merla, CEO of the Finnish Drug Discovery Center Ltd.
For further information, please contact:
Academy Research Fellow, Docent Tatu Pantsar, https://uefconnect.uef.fi/en/tatu.pantsar/
