CiQUS’  “TraffikGene” project develops new chemical tools for the fight against cancer  

El vicepresidente primero de la Xunta y la directora de GAIN junto al rector de la USC, los directores del CiQUS y miembros del proyecto TraffikGene en una visita al laboratorio del CIQUS. | Imagen: Santi Alvite

TraffikGene is one of the research projects currently underway at the University of Santiago’s Singular Centre for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS), a member of the CIGUS Network, which researches alternative and innovative therapies to combat diseases such as cancer. Since 2012, the team of researchers, led by Professor Javier Montenegro, has been working on the development and synthesis of new molecules capable of protecting and delivering nucleic acids, such as messenger RNA, guaranteeing their efficiency and non-toxicity. The project, which is currently in the phase of demonstrating the functionality of preclinical models, seeks to achieve the commercialisation of new gene therapies for the treatment of cancer.

In 2021, TraffikGene received backing from the latest edition of the IGNICIA Proof of Concept programme, designed to promote the transfer of knowledge from Galician research centres to the market. This project has recently  been selected by the EIC Transition programme of the European Innovation Council (EIC), making it the first Galician project to receive funds from this call, internationally one of the most prestigious and competitive in the area of knowledge transfer. The project has also received the Business Technology Life Sciences Cluster (Bioga) Award for Best Business Idea.  

The project has facilitated the recruitment of new members of the research team, which is now made up of 20 professionals.  The new EIC grant, which is worth 2.5 million euros, will facilitate the objective of creating a spin-off company in Galicia for the commercialisation of these new therapeutic agents.

In line with its commitment to transferring research results to the market, in addition to leading three IGNICIA projects, CiQUS has attracted funding in recent years for a further eight projects worth 1.2 million euros in national, European and private foundation calls for proposals.