“NanoPharm” announces its first funded network project

01.07.2015 13:21

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) gave the green light for a new research project as part of the ZIM network “NanoPharm” (ZIM = Central Innovation Program for SMEs). This gives the project partners, Dr. Eleonore Haltner-Ukomadu, Managing Director of Across Barriers, and Professor Dr. Cornelia Keck, University of Kaiserslautern, the necessary research funds to implement her project entitled “Topical artificial ex-vivo skin model for the development of nanocarrier-based formulations for incurable skin diseases”.

The aim of the project is to treat difficult-to-heal skin diseases using a holistic concept. Basic cosmetic care supplements nanocarrier-based medicines for the treatment of neurodermatitis and other skin diseases, for example.

“We act as a service provider for our members and lend a helping hand where it is most important, namely in the implementation of research into marketable products,” explains cc-NanoBioNet managing director Ralph Nonninger. With “NanoPharm”, the cc-NanoBioNet competence center succeeded for the first time last year in establishing a ZIM network that supports medium-sized companies in the areas of pharmacy and nanotechnology in realizing their product ideas.

ZIM networks are financed by funding from the BMWi. The current approval came exceptionally early as NanoPharm is still in the development phase. Applications are usually only written and approved after the network has been set up. “The rapid approval shows once again that there is remarkable potential in the interface between pharmaceutical research and chemical nanotechnology,” says Nonninger. This is not only added value for the individual companies, but also, according to Nonninger, leads to a practical technology transfer. There are currently more than ten applications in progress within “NanoPharm” and are hoping for approval. In total, any number of project applications can be submitted.