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Responsable del Departamento

Sundary Sormendi Gómez

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Información de contacto

91 196 44 46

transferencia.con@cbm.csic.es

Our multidisciplinary teams carry out research across a wide range of fields, including viral infections, cancer, neurodegeneration, tissue and organ development, agrotechnology and bioprocesses. Our aim is to provide innovative solutions to the challenges facing society.

Explore our portfolio of protected technologies and contact our Knowledge Transfer Unit for further information.

First-in-class antiviral compound against HSV-1 and HSV-2 acyclovir-resistant strains

 

LN-7 is a new endonuclease Inhibitor that prevents Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and 2) replication in preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies, postulating as novel antiviral candidate for prevention, conventional antiviral resistant HSV and combination therapy against herpesvirus.

Intelectual Property

PCT application filed

Stage of development

pre-clinical in vivo

Intended Collaboration

Licensinf and/or co-development

Contact

Sundary Sormendi transferencia.con@cbm.csic.es

Unmet need

  • 64% of population <50yo suffer with HSV-1, totaling 3,8 billion people worldwide.
  • Acyclovir remains the most prescribed HSV drug worldwide, followed by valacyclovir and famciclovir. While 1% of healthy individuals show acyclovir resistance, this increases up to 15% in immunocompromised patients. Second-line treatments, such as cidofovir and foscarnet, are available for drug-resistant cases but have significant side effects.
  • Global HSV treatment market was estimated at USD 2.47 billion in 2023, expected to grow to 4.08 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 8.1%.

 

Innovative solution

LN-7 is a first-in-class antiviral against HSV-1 that targets the pUL15 endonuclease, a component of the viral packaging motor/terminase complex. LN-7 is a polycyclic pyridone, chemically related to baloxavir acid. Preclinical in vivo and in vitro studies showed that:

  • LN-7 was equally effective against acyclovir-resistant HSV-1 and HSV-2 strains, showing EC50 values of 3.2 and 3.6 μM respectively.
  • Combined administration of LN-7 and acyclovir showed robust synergism with 90% of viral inhibition, and a favorable dose reduction index above 1
  • LN-7 exhibited excellent pharmacokinetics and safety profiles for intravenous and oral administration in vivo (mice and rats).
  • Prophylactic administration of LN-7 showed 2-fold lower HSV-1 titers in infected mice.

 

Technology highlights

  1. Novel mode of action, different from other antivirals
  2. Prophylactic antiviral effect
  3. Suitable for acyclovir-resistant HSV-1 and HSV-2
  4. Synergistic activity in combination with acyclovir
  5. Strong candidate for immunocompromised patiens
  6. Safety and efficacy proven in preclinical in vivo models

 

 

 

New peptides to treat and prevent cognitive deficiency in age-related disorders

 

Our novel Folate Receptor alpha (FRα) binding peptides induce brain cell reprograming and rejuvenation, enhancing cognitive function in aged mice. The unique properties of our peptides
ensure specific binding to FRα preventing from any side effects, and are able to cross bloodbrain-barrier enabling versatile administration routes.

Intelectual Property

Priority patent application filed

Stage of development

pre-clinica in vivo

Intended collaboration

Licensing and/or co-development

Contact

Sundary Sormendi transferencia.con@cbm.csic.es

Unmet need

  • Age-related diseases affecting neuronal functions are on the rise due to an aging population, affecting > 60million people above 65yo, and costing USD1.3 trillion annually worldwide.
  • Decreased folate levels is related to aging, with around 30% prevalence of folate deficiency in elderly. Indeed, folate deficiency is link to higher risk of dementia and increased mortality.
  • Folate supplement is prescribed as treatment to reduce memory impairment in the elderly. However, its use is limited due to toxic side effects associated with high uptake.
  • The Global Folate Supplement Market was estimated at USD 11.49 billion in 2024, expected to grow to USD 16.86 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of ~4.9%.

 

Innovative Solution

Our patented approach includes six new FRα-binding peptides that specifically bind to FRα inducing its translocation into the nucleus and activation as transcription factor. In vitro and in vivo studies showed:

  • Expression of Yamanaka factors Sox2 and Klf4 implicated in pluripotency and cell proliferation.
  • Increased protein levels of PSD95 implicated in synaptic transmission and cognition through GluN2B (subunit of NMDA receptor) in cortical neurons.
  • Reduced density of perineuronal nets (PNN) in the hippocampus and somatosensory neocortex.
  • Notable improvement in new object recognition memory, particularly in the long term but also in short-term spatial memory.
  • High blood-brain barrier permetability, allowing versatile administration routes , including intracranial and peritoneal injection, and intragastric inoculation.

 

Technological highlitghs

  1. Known mode of action, with no off target registered
  2. FRα specificity, preventing from toxic high-dose folate effect
  3. BBB permeability, enabling versatile administration routes
  4. Safety and efficacy proven in pre-clinical mouse models

 

 

 

Biotin & Thiamine: A novel therapeutic strategy for Huntington’s Disease

 

Thiamine metabolism is impaired in Huntington Disease (HD). Our in-vivo studies showed that treatment with thiamine and biotin rescues HD symptoms. We are currently evaluating safety and tolerability of thiamine – biotin treatment for HD in a multicentric clinical trial.

Intelectual property

EP & US patent

Estado de desarrollo

Clinical phase I/II

Intended collaboration

Licensing and/or co-development

Contact

Sundary Sormendi transferencia.con@cbm.csic.es

Unmet need

  • Progressive, and fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by a genetic mutation leading to toxic function of Huntingtin protein.
  • With a prevalence of 1 in 10,000 individuals is one of the most common rare diseases. There is no available cure. Current marketed solutions are just symptomatic and are associated with numerous side effects. There is no EMA approved therapy available.
  • Global HD Treatment Market size was estimated at USD 500 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1,871.2 million by 2030 (23.8% CAGR).

 

Innovative solution

  • Studies using mouse models and samples from patients showed impaired thiamine metabolism in HD, due to decreased expression of brain specific thiamine transporter ThTr2 (SLC19A3).
  • High doses of thiamine and biotin attenuate HD pathology by:
    • Preventing striatal atrophy, attenuating neuropathology, and improving motor coordination.
    • Pre-clinical data eligible for Orphan Drug Designation (ODD).
  • On going phase I/II multicentric clinical trial to evaluate safety and tolerability of thiamine and biotin treatment for HD (NCT04478734).

 

    Technology highlights

    1. Improvemen of HD neuropathology, radiology and motor symptoms in mouse model
    2. Proven safety and good tolerability in human
    3. Good treatment adherance in human
    4. ODD eligible
    5. Allows combination therapy with other treatments

     

     

     

    Biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

     

    The loss of the C-terminal end of TAF1 leads to dysregulated expression of genes implicated in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) neuropathology. The detection of TAF1 molecules lacking their Cterminal end in blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid may be used as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of MS. The novel mouse line with deleted C-terminal TAF1 can be used to validate new MS therapies.

    Intelectual property

    Priority patent filed

    Stage of development

    pre-clinical in vivo

    Intended Collaboration

    Licensing and/or co-development

    Contact

    Sundary Sormendi transferencia.con@cbm.csic.es

    Unmet need

    • Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology characterized by neuroinflammation, demyelination and axonal damage, affecting 2.9 million people worldwide.
    • 40% of patients are diagnosed >5 years from first MS symptoms.
    • Although modifying disease treatments are available in the first stages, there is no cure.
    • Main challenges for efficient diagnosis and treatment are related to a lack of:
      • understanding of the complex molecular basis of the disease
      • early diagnosis and prognosis of MS progression biomarkers
      • pre-clinical models for new therapies R&D

    Innovative solution

    Our preclinical studies identify a TAF-1 isoform missing the C-terminal end (TAF1ex38) as a candidate biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of multiple sclerosis (MS).

    • Normal-appearing grey and white matter from MS patients showed reduced presence of TAF1ex38.
    • Reduced levels of TAF1ex38 can be explained by increased cathepsin B activity outside the lysosomes in brain tissue from MS patients.
    • Decreased TAF1ex38 levels were related to MS progression.
    • First mouse model of progressive MS, where deletion of TAF1ex38 mimics MS pathophysiology.
    • TAF1 C-terminal interplays with multiple transcriptional regulators involved in RNAPII transcriptional initiation and pause release, and its absence leads to downregulation of oligodendroglia genes.

      Technological highlights

      1. Novel biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis
      2. Minimally invasive method through blood or CFS extraction
      3. Known molecular mechanism of action
      4. Novel pre-clinical model for MS

       

       

       

      Novel Etanercept variants with improved therapeutical effect

       

      Novel mutant variants of the fusion protein Etanercept with improved TNF neutralizing specificity and therapeutical effect, ameliorating the side effects associated to the clinical use of Etanercept.

      Intelectual property

      EP, US & CN patent

      Stage of development

      pre-clinical in vivo

      Intended collaboration

      Licensing and/or co-development

      Contact

      Sundary Sormendi transferencia.con@cbm.csic.es

      Unmet need

      The global TNF inhibitor drugs market is valued at USD 28.6 billion in 2025, projected to reach USD 46.3 billion by 2032 (CAGR 7.8%). Within this market, Etanercept (Enbrel®) is one of the leading biologics for chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis or psoriasis. Importantly, up to 40% of patients exhibit inadequate response to first-line anti-TNF treatment – including Etarnecept – due to primary non-response, secondary loss of response or intolerance.
      Etanercept works by blocking TNF via a soluble TNFR2–Fc fusion. presenting main limitations:

      • Dose limitations and safety constraints. Etanercept requires relatively high and repeated dosing.
      • Non specific activity against lymphotoxin (LTα), worsening susceptibility to infections, as LTα plays an important role in host defense, particularly against intracellular pathogens.

       

      Innovative Solution

      Inspired by viral immunomodulators, next-generation etanercept variants were engineered through precise amino-acid substitutions—specifically A105E, or preferably the dual A105E/L106F modifications— introduced into the TNF-binding domain of the TNFR2-Fc fusion protein. In particular, TNFR2 90s loop— guided by insights from viral decoy receptor CrmD—avoids unwanted LTα inhibition while retaining potent TNF neutralization. Displays a >60-fold reduction in anti-LTα activity, essentially abolishing LTα inhibition, reducing undesired interactions.

       

       

      Technological highlights

      1. Innovative structural improvements, preventing LTα inhibición.
      2. Improved safety and manufacturability profile enabling better clinical performance.