Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) and ZeClinics work together in the NanoDIRE-CT project, which aims to use an innovative method based on nanobodies, that is, antibody fragments with small size, for targeted tumor stem cell therapy.

During the last year, efforts have been focused on demonstrating the remarkable capability of meticulously chosen nanobodies. These nanobodies have proven instrumental in impeding the relentless growth of both Cancer Stem Cells (CSC) and Differentiated Cancer Cells within the innovative zebrafish xenotransplantation model*. From an extensive bacterial library, three extraordinary nanobody candidates have emerged, exhibiting potent anticancer properties.

The researchers have found a robust affinity for binding with CSC in vitro, coupled with a notable absence of adverse effects post-injection into the duct of Cuvier. This marks an important milestone in our pursuit of a potential breakthrough in cancer treatment.

Together, VHIR and ZeClinics have worked tirelessly to amplify the production of Nanobodies and assess their potential as powerful anti-oncogenic agents. The seamless coordination has been pivotal in managing and supervising this groundbreaking project.

Through the collaboration’s unwavering commitment, they’ve not only augmented production but also conducted thorough purification, subjecting these nanobodies to rigorous High-Performance Liquid Chromatography analysis to precisely identify their target interactions.

The project is funded by the State Research Agency under the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities; program Retos Colaboracion 2019, project reference: RTC2019-006809-1.

*Institutional Declaration on the Use of Animals in Research