Expression of SerpinB3, a member of serine-protease inhibitor family, is associated with the carcinogenesis process as it determines resistance to apoptosis, induces cell proliferation and greater cell invasiveness. Furthermore, it leads to impaired immune surveillance and reduced chemosensitivity.
Recent studies have documented that SerpinB3 is expressed in primary liver tumors with poor prognosis, in more advanced stage of colon and pancreatic tumors, in tumors of the lung, esophagus, breast and ovary with poor response to chemotherapy, thus is a good candidate for targeted cancer therapy.
At present, compounds that are effective at reducing the expression of SerpinB3 in said tumor forms, are lacking.
The 1-piperidin propionic acid, inhibitor of SerpinB3 production, is proposed as a novel adjuvant drug in the treatment of different types of solid tumors overexpressing SerpinB3 and resistant to chemotherapy.

TRL (Technology Readiness Level)

Lead Optimization/Preclinical

Inventors

Patrizia Pontisso

Alessandra Biasiolo

Andrea Martini

Santina Quarta

Mariagrazia Ruvoletto

Cristian Turato

Gianmarco Villano

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PoC@Unipd project 2022

With the aim of supporting the competitiveness of businesses by enhancing industrial properties, the Ministry for Economic Development (MISE) has published a call for the establishment of patent enhancement programs, through funding of Proof of Concept (PoC) projects by Italian Universities, Public Research Institutions (EPR), and Scientific Institutions for Research, Hospital and Healthcare (IRCS).

Purpose of the call is establishing TRL (Technology Readiness Level) enhancement paths for technologies patented during academic research, and create the conditions to turn them into strategic opportunities for the business world.

After careful examination of the project proposals received by the Ministry Evaluation Committee, the University of Padua was authorized to develop 8 PoC projects. The projects were selected by the University through an internal call and the program took the first steps in December 2023. From that moment on, the PoC Team started to work to validate the relevant technologies. 

The academic work team has been flanked by an external Expert Committee, comprising top scientific and professional resources (investors and entrepreneurs), capable of providing a respected standpoint on all strategic and planning choices.

UniSMART – Fondazione Università di Padova was tasked with managing the enhancement of the results of 8 projects, through its highly qualified, innovation-oriented staff, in the different PoC project sectors.

PROGETTO PoC@UNIPD2022 – PNRR – Missione 1, Componente 2, Investimento 6 – finanziato dall’Unione Europea – NextGenerationEU

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