Established through the EIC Innovation Procurement Programme via the InnoBuyer Call for Solvers, the partnership in the EV-NEXT project enables iLoF and Karolinska Institutet to co-create innovative pilot solutions that address key challenges in biotechnology.
iLoF, a digital health company focused on drug development through its AI-powered photonics platform and an EIC Accelerator beneficiary, has made significant progress in nanoparticle characterization through the EV-NEXT project. This project represents a collaboration between iLoF and Karolinska Institutet, supported by the InnoBuyer Project.
The EV-NEXT initiative focuses on enhancing the characterization of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) using advanced AI and multi-parameter analysis. This approach aims to improve therapeutic delivery and streamline the quality control process of nanomedicines, driving their development forward at a faster pace.
As Dr. Sara Rocha, Senior Product & Bioclinical Manager at iLoF, notes, "The EV-NEXT project has allowed us to refine nanoparticle characterization, introducing a new feature to our platform that identifies different types of EVs and LNPs based on their molecular content."
Collaboration for Innovation: iLoF’s Partnership with Karolinska Institutet
iLoF’s collaboration with Karolinska Institutet has been pivotal in overcoming challenges throughout the project. Despite a few setbacks, such as delays in LNP production, ongoing communication and feedback enabled iLoF to fine-tune the platform and meet rigorous scientific standards. Dr. Rocha reflects, “Early communication and an iterative development approach were essential to overcoming these challenges.”
The project's success can largely be attributed to continuous engagement with stakeholders. “We held regular meetings with Karolinska, which helped ensure expectations were aligned and the platform met the Challenger’s requirements,” explains Dr. Rocha. This collaborative model not only contributed to the project's success but also opened doors for potential partnerships with other institutions.
Future Plans: Scaling and Real-World Impact
Looking ahead, Dr. Rocha emphasizes that the next steps for EV-NEXT involve testing with different sample purities to enhance platform performance and gather real-world evidence to validate its scalability. By ensuring the solution complies with all regulatory standards, iLoF aims to broaden the adoption of EV-NEXT within nanomedicine, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries.
The impact of EV-NEXT extends far beyond iLoF's internal growth. By providing a streamlined, multiparameter analysis system, the platform will reduce costs, improve drug safety, and accelerate the development of nanotherapeutic agents. This holds the potential to not only to improve the quality of products but also to foster economic and environmental benefits through efficient manufacturing practices.
Dr. Rocha advises others pursuing similar projects: "Clear communication and a flexible project management approach are key. Iterative feedback and a long-term vision for scalability are also essential for success."
About InnoBuyer
InnoBuyer, part of the EIC Business Acceleration Services, fosters collaboration between public entities (Challengers) and Startups and SMEs (Solvers) to address unmet needs in public services. Funded by Horizon Europe, it provides a platform for testing and validating innovative solutions in real-world settings, helping to bridge the gap between market demands and technological advancements. Through this initiative, solutions, such as EV-NEXT, are being developed to address critical societal challenges and drive the future of innovation in healthcare.
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DISCLAIMER: This information is provided in the interest of knowledge sharing and should not be interpreted as the official view of the European Commission, or any other organisation.