H2020 Project – Optogenerapy
Optogenetic protein therapy for multiple sclerosis
The Optogenerapy project aimed to develop and demonstrate a novel optogenetic implant for the delivery of controlled interferon-beta (IFN-ß) protein for the treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis. The implementation of electronic systems in the human body has led to numerous medical advances, but clinical trials based on cell-based therapy have shown serious setbacks, such as tumor formation and the transmission of infectious agents. The Optogenerapy project addresses this urgent clinical need for safe cell-based protein delivery therapies and applies the results to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from multiple sclerosis.
ASENSE: The key role of optics in efficiently delivering light to cells for drug generation.
At ASENSE, we were responsible for the implant’s optical design. This task is critical to the implant’s functionality and impacts the efficiency of cell illumination via a remotely controlled LED.
We developed light-guiding concepts in micrometer-sized channels, utilizing a combination of refraction, reflectance, total internal reflectance, and surface properties, which collect light from the miniaturized LED and guide it from the implant to the cells. Micro-features of the waveguide surfaces are then used to deliver the light evenly to the cells.
In this video, our R&D director, Thomas Siegel, explains in detail our involvement in the project:
Technological objectives of the project:
- Develop a miniaturized implant that includes a cell chamber, a biocompatible plastic optics frame, and a membrane with a pore size designed for optimal therapeutic protein delivery.
- To develop stable therapeutic cell lines, maintaining the interferon transgene under the control of a synthetic optogenetic pathway.
- Develop a wireless, miniaturized NIR light source.
- To develop in-silico modeling tools suitable for therapeutic cell line development, considering the activation of the optogenetic pathway and the administration of IFN-ß.
- Develop an industrial microinjection process for the manufacture of a minimally invasive implant.
- Validate the appropriate sterilization protocols for the implant.
- Demonstrate the biocompatibility and therapeutic efficacy of the new implant “in vitro” and “in vivo”.
Clinical objectives
- Demonstrate improved health through continuous, low-dose medication that prevents relapse and slows disease progression in the stages of neurological deterioration.
- Define a clear regulatory process for advanced therapy medicine.
Consortium members
Led by EURECAT- Centre Tecnológic de Catalunya (Barcelona, Spain), the consortium consisted of 11 partners from 7 different European countries. With this team, knowledge and experience in clinical research, expertise and capabilities in manufacturing, and knowledge of the medical device industry were brought together and integrated, ensuring that the prototype obtained, which was preclinically validated, met market demands.
More information on the project’s official website: OPTOGENERAPY.