REVOLUTION - Unlocking new frontiers in RNA therapies through functionalized polymer lipid hybrid nanoparticles
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Abstract
REVOLUTION aims to deliver a clinically translatable polymer–lipid hybrid nanoparticle (hNP) platform for cardiac regeneration after myocardial infarction (MI), a leading cause of death and disability. Current lipid-based carriers accumulate mainly in the liver and have safety and stability limitations, restricting their use beyond hepatic and vaccine applications. We have developed and patented modular hNPs overcoming these limits, enabling efficient, safe, and precise delivery of RNA molecules, including reprogramming microRNAs aimed at post-infarct cardiac regeneration. In previous ERC-PoC project POLIRNA, surface grafting of hNPs with a cardiac fibroblast–specific antibody enabled their targeted delivery, both in vitro and in MI mouse model, demonstrating their proof-of-concept efficacy (TRL4).
Founded in 2024, PoliRNA Srl, spin-off company of Politecnico di Torino, is now advancing hNP innovation. The REVOLUTION project will integrate in vitro validation in human-relevant models with in vivo testing in rats using a clinically translatable administration route to establish biodistribution, safety, efficacy, and dosing. Pre-industrial manufacturing will be optimized via microfluidics and quality by design, to ensure scalability and regulatory alignment, followed by GLP toxicity tests, to advance TRL from 4 to 5. The project will also generate a regulatory/IP package and perform business modelling and market validation to strengthen strategies for clinical translation, reimbursement, and partnerships. Beyond cardiac regeneration, the modular hNP platform enables followon programmes in different fields (e.g., fibrosis, neuromuscular, and oncology indications) paving the way to a wide product porforlio upon strategic collaborations with key stakeholders. By addressing scientific and translational bottlenecks, REVOLUTION will position Europe at the forefront of RNA nanomedicine, paving the way for future clinical translation and reduction of heart failure burden.
People involved
- Valeria Chiono (Principal Investigator)
- Camilla Paoletti (Component of the research team)
- Alice Zoso (Component of the research team)
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Sustainable Development Goals
Budget
| Total cost: | € 50,000.00 |
|---|---|
| Total contribution: | € 40,000.00 |
| PoliTo total cost: | € 50,000.00 |
| PoliTo contribution: | € 40,000.00 |