MINIATURA 9 Grant (NCN) - Dr. Gopi Elumalai

Project Title: Complementary Methods for the Synthesis of Radioiodinated Prosthetic Groups via Disulfide Re-bridging

Dr. Gopi Elumalai has been awarded funding under the MINIATURA 9 programme by the National Science Centre (NCN) for a project aimed at developing new and improved methods for synthesizing radioiodinated compounds that can be effectively attached to biomolecules used in medical diagnostics and cancer treatment. Radioactive iodine isotopes, such as I-131 and I-123, play a crucial role in these applications. However, current attachment methods often suffer from poor stability and the formation of unwanted by-products and toxicity.

 

Recipient of MINIATURA 9 Grant (NCN) - Dr. Gopi Elumalai

 

This project introduces a novel approach to overcome these limitations by designing versatile chemical building blocks that allow radioiodine to be incorporated in two complementary ways. This dual strategy enhances the stability and selectivity of the final products, ensuring the radioactive component remains firmly attached to the targeting molecule throughout its use in the body.

The new radioiodinated compounds are intended for use with biomolecules such as antibodies and peptide-based drugs, enhancing their potential as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. The ultimate goal is to provide safer, more effective tools for detecting and treating diseases like cancer, while minimizing side effects and improving patient outcomes.

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Recipient of MINIATURA 9 Grant (NCN) - Dr. Gopi Elumalai


This project has received funding from the European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation
programme under grant agreement No 857470 and from European Regional Development Fund
via Foundation for Polish Science International Research Agenda PLUS programme grant
No MAB PLUS/2018/8.
Poland
The project is co-financed from the state budget within the framework of the undertaking of the Minister of Science and Higher Education "Support for the activities of Centers of Excellence established under Horizon 2020".

Grant: 5 143 237,70 EUR
Total value: 29 971 365,00 EUR
Date of signing the funding agreement: December 2023

The purpose of the undertaking is to support entities of the higher education and science system that have received funding from the European Union budget in the competition H2020-WIDESPREAD-2018-2020/WIDESPREAD-01-2018-2019: Teaming Phase 2. in the preparation, implementation and updating of activities, maintenance of material resources necessary for carrying out activities, acquisition and modernization of scientific and research apparatus, maintenance and development of personnel potential necessary for the implementation of activities, and dissemination of the results of scientific activities.