Developing Innovative Cancer Treatment Methodologies (INNOCANCER)

Partnership
Initiative

Background

The Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología de Cuba (Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of Cuba - CIGB) is a leading scientific research centre for cancer immunotherapy. It has such promising levels of progress in clinical trials that the early production and application of some innovative cancer treatments are on the horizon, leading the way in this sector.

In turn, the Angiogenesis Unit of the Oncology Department of the Centro de Investigación Biomédica de La Rioja (Biomedical Research Centre of La Rioja - CIBIR, Spain) is developing nanotechnology vaccines against cancer with molecules aimed at inhibiting the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis); a key process to prevent tumour growth, which is of great interest as a complementary element to the treatments developed by the CIBG.

The Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada (Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education - CICESE) in Mexico has been collaborating with CIBG since 2000 on projects in the field of biotechnological products in different areas, including angiogenesis and cancer. Together with CIGB, CIBIR was identified as a centre for joint research. Within the framework of these exchanges, an opportunity arose to create a Triangular Cooperation Partnership in order to promote the development of innovative products for the treatment of cancer, through the exchange of knowledge and the strengthening of scientific research capacities.

Entities and roles

Beneficiary entities

Centro de Investigación Científica y Educación Superior de Ensenada - CICESE

Mexico

First provider entities

Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología

Cuba

Second provider entities

Fundación Rioja Salud (Centro de Investigación Biomédica de La Rioja) - FRS (CIBIR)

Spain

Development challenges

Cancer is the leading cause of death in the world according to the World Health Organization, accounting for approximately 10 million deaths in 2020 (WHO, 2022). In the face of this global challenge, all efforts are focused on solving an illness that knows no borders, cultures or economic status. To this end, the Triangular Cooperation Partnership encouraged knowledge sharing in order to foster innovative solutions to reduce mortality among cancer patients and improve their quality of life.

Under this Initiative, the knowledge and expertise of CIGB and CIBIR, as well as their more advanced levels on the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale, were leveraged to develop joint research together with CICESE. With this, they were able to make the transition from the basic proof-of-concept stage to a clinical setting, while developing a roadmap that would allow CICESE to advance on the TRL scale, thus enhancing its capacity to further develop its technologies. This methodology was replicated by other entities in the biotech sector in the region, with a multiplier effect that contributed to the development of new and improved cancer treatments.

This Triangular Cooperation Initiative achieved capacity building within the Partnership to develop an innovative methodology to treat cancer, based on research and the development of new techniques, while also maximising the technological expertise of the Partnership countries.

Triangular approach

CIGB reached a high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) in the research and development of biotech products for cancer therapy, even developing therapeutic candidates that are currently being used in human clinical trials. These include the HEBERSaVax vaccine targeting angiogenesis and the tumour micro-environment, with successfully completed research in advanced ovarian tumours and hepatocellular carcinoma. This experience provided knowledge on the regulatory and ethical pathways to increase the TRL of biotech products, which contributed to the development of the roadmap that allowed CICESE to reach higher TRL levels.

The Angiogenesis Team at CIBIR has more than 30 years of expertise in angiogenesis and the tumour micro-environment. They developed specific models to analyse these tumour characteristics in animal models, which led to significant advances in the study of these phenomena. In addition, CIBIR developed several clinical trials based on laboratory observations, reaching a highly advanced technological readiness level. This knowledge was shared with the Partnership entities, strengthening the evidence behind the mechanisms of action of these new molecules and contributing to the transition to higher TRLs.

CICESE had a research platform for antibody development, which succeeded in isolating an antibody that inhibited angiogenesis. This success was replicated in trials with other cells and effectively neutralised the growth of solid tumours in cancer patients, which, coupled with its ability to perform in vitro and in vivo studies, was successful in bringing these discoveries to clinical application. However, support from CIGB and CIBIR was needed to advance the TRL scale and bring these treatments to patients in need.

The knowledge gained during the Initiative provided the basis for the design of clinical studies in cancers not yet studied for the molecules analysed. This methodology was replicated by other entities in the biotechnology sector in the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean, with the development of therapeutic variants for the treatment of human diseases. The methodological guide developed in the Initiative was useful for other laboratories in the region interested in advancing their technology levels.

Sectoral approach - Contribution to the 2030 Agenda

Primary SDG

Goal 3.4 By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.

Goal 3.B Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for the communicable and noncommunicable diseases that primarily affect developing countries, provide access to affordable essential medicines and vaccines, in accordance with the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health, which affirms the right of developing countries to use to the full the provisions in the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights regarding flexibilities to protect public health, and, in particular, provide access to medicines for all.

Goal 3.8 Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.

Secondary SDG

Goal 9.5 Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending

ADELANTE SDG

Goal 10.6 Ensure enhanced representation and voice for developing countries in decision-making in global international economic and financial institutions in order to deliver more effective, credible, accountable and legitimate institutions

Goal 17.6 Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation and enhance knowledge sharing on mutually agreed terms, including through improved coordination among existing mechanisms, in particular at the United Nations level, and through a global technology facilitation mechanism

Goal 17.16 Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources, to support the achievement of the sustainable development goals in all countries, in particular developing countries

Territorial approach

Intervention methodology

The work plan of this Initiative consisted of seven activities that primarily sought to foster opportunities for joint research, as well as share the knowledge generated with the scientific community.

It began with three seminars that coincided with international cancer conferences. In addition to sharing knowledge with external actors and learning about current developments in cancer research, the events provided the opportunity for the three Partnership entities to meet face-to-face. In these seminars, the lines of research to be developed during the Initiative were prioritised, and the knowledge transfer strategy was updated.

Two internships were then organised on-site at the different Provider entities, where the researchers learned first-hand about the specifics of the available technologies. They also acquired specialised knowledge that made it possible to take the necessary step towards a technological transition, especially in the case of CICESE.

A study visit was made to Cuba in order to accelerate the process of ownership of the Beneficiary entity and their technological readiness of biotechnological products for cancer.

Lastly, a seminar was held to disseminate the model of technical capacity building in the scope of cancer therapies. This last seminar was held in Mexico and was also the closing activity of the Initiative, where a collective reflection was made on the outcomes obtained throughout the period, as well as the future application of the knowledge generated and collected in technological readiness manuals in Ibero-American countries.

Direct beneficiaries (individuals)

According to Rule 9 of the Guidelines for Applicants: all persons participating in the activities of the Initiative.

This Initiative had 637 direct beneficiaries from the Partnership member entities. It should be noted that this Partnership was characterised by a strong presence of female scientists (67%).

Furthermore, the seminars were open to undergraduate students from local universities, pre-doctoral students and those in the early stages of their post-doctoral degree. In addition, international experts in regulation, intellectual property and product marketing were invited. All of these people will benefit from the exchange of knowledge during the conferences and the subsequent discussions.

Budget

EU contribution: 112,948.84 €

Co-financing - Triangular Cooperation Partnership: 49,021.03 €

Total budget: 161,970.18 €

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