Revolutionary therapeutic approaches: PROXIDRUGS fights against cancer and co.!

Revolutionary therapeutic approaches: PROXIDRUGS fights against cancer and co.!

The future cluster PROXIDRUGS has established itself as a groundbreaking research project since its founding in 2021 with funding from the Federal Ministry of Research (BMBF). His primary focus is on developing new therapeutic approaches for difficult-to-treat diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, inflammatory diseases and infections. A recent lecture and discussion evening at Goethe University provided a platform to present the cluster's progress.

The participants included prominent guests such as Hesse's Research Minister Timon Gremmels and the head of the BMBF, Mitja Müller. In his remarks, Gremmels emphasized the immense importance of these research initiatives for medical innovation.

Research focus: Targeted protein degradation

PROXIDRUGS pursues an innovative concept that stands out from established active ingredient strategies. While conventional approaches can only reach 20% of the disease-relevant proteins, PROXIDRUGS aims to develop so-called “proximity-inducing drugs”. This novel class of drugs activates the breakdown of proteins by directing them to the cellular recycling system. According to information from proxidrugs.de, around 80% of the proteins that were previously considered untreatable should be able to be addressed.

The cluster's approach revolves around proximity induction. Prof. Ivan Đikić explained that the cell's own recycling system is reprogrammed to specifically break down disease-relevant proteins. This could enable revolutionary new therapeutic approaches.

Collaboration and technology transfer

The scientific institutions involved in the PROXIDRUGS cluster range from the Goethe University Frankfurt, the TU Darmstadt, the University of Heidelberg to the MPI for Biophysics and the Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology. This interdisciplinary cooperation expands the possibilities for knowledge and technology transfer.

In addition, PROXIDRUGS cooperates with leading pharmaceutical companies such as AbbVie Germany, Merck Healthcare and GlaxoSmithKline. Revvity acts as a technology provider and supports the transfer of research results into clinical applications.

The role of artificial intelligence

In a broader context, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in biomedical research is also becoming increasingly important. A study by the Research Center for Molecular Medicine in Vienna has shown how large language models, such as ChatGPT, can be used to treat patients. Current research demonstrates the strategic uses of AI, particularly in oncology.

With the aim of opening up new therapeutic options, PROXIDRUGS was transferred to the second implementation phase after a successful interim assessment took place. It remains to be seen what groundbreaking discoveries will emerge from this groundbreaking research initiative.