Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for 45% of deaths in Europe and are estimated to cost the EU economy €210 billion a year. However, only four drugs targeting cardiovascular diseases have been approved for use in the last decade. Thus, models that could effectively simulate diseased tissues, would enable the accurate assessment of the efficacy of the pharmaceuticals, and would accelerate drug development are urgently needed. The main bottleneck towards such models is the foetal-like state of the human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) derived cardiomyocytes (CMs). That is hiPSC-CMs do not reach adult-like maturity. The objective of this project is to produce a platform for growth and maturation of cardiac microtissues for adult-like organotypic models in healthy and diseased states. To achieve that, biomimetic microenvironment that provides all the needed stimuli (electrical, mechanical, topological (3D environment) and biochemical (release of active molecules)), during the maturation of hiPSC-CMs will be developed. This will be achieved by combining electro-mechanoactive polymer-based scaffolds (EMAPS) with bioactive membranes. To characterize the effects of CVD drugs, the contractility of the microtissue will be monitored continuously and simultaneously (over 24-wells) using the sensors developed during the project. To increase the sensitivity and accuracy of the model, deep-learning based algorithms to detect the effects of drugs in vitro will be developed and verified. The goals will be achieved by a multidisciplinary consortium with complementary know-how of three academic units and seven small companies. The increased sensitivity and accuracy of organ-on-chip devices is a needed leap in technology that will accelerate new drug development without the need for animal models; the project aims to provide a platform for the realization of such physiologically-relevant organotypic models.

The EVEREST project is a pioneering consortium in Extracellular Vesicle (EVs) research, bringing together 22 institutions from 11 countries, including 3 UK partners. This interdisciplinary consortium is distinguished by an ambitious plan for over 285 months of staff exchanges, engaging at least 81 fellows. Research-Innovation programme is structured into four pivotal work packages: 1. Combining Expertise and Resources for Advancing Standardised Characterisation and Isolation of EVs: Focused on harmonizing methods for EV isolation across diverse tissues and samples, enhancing the consistency and reliability of EV research. 2. Jointly Investigating EVs in Health or Disease, and Enhancing Translational Biomarker Discovery: Concentrated on exploring the roles of EVs in various health conditions and diseases, with a particular emphasis on identifying and validating new biomarkers for diagnostic and prognostic applications. 3. Uniting Capacities, Advancing EV-Based Therapeutics or Drug Delivery: Dedicated to developing innovative EV-based treatments and drug delivery mechanisms, targeting key health challenges like cancer and cardiovascular diseases. 4. Catalysing commercial development of EV-based technologies: Aiming to bridge the gap between research and practical application, this work package focuses on preparing EV-based solutions for large-scale production and market introduction. At its core, EVEREST is committed to significantly enhancing the capabilities of participating institutions and fostering career advancement for involved fellows. By positioning EVs as critical tools for biomarker discovery and therapeutic applications, the project aims to make substantial contributions to personalized medicine and improved health outcomes, ultimately translating research breakthroughs into clinical practice.

TWINFLAG is an advanced research consortium consisting of top-class institutions in the field of extracellular vesicles (EVs), flow cytometry and biobanking. The main objective of TWINFLag is to improve capacities of IMC in Lithuania, to implement the excellence in translational research of arthritis treatment and extracellular vesicle (EV)-based biomarker development, innovation and research management. For this purpose, the consortium gathered leading academic institutions in the field of biomedical sciences from Ireland (UCD) and Spain (INIBIC) which will seek to raise the research profile of IMC. The consortium partners will share their knowledge during organized schools, short term visits and seminars, will implement a small scale research for a personalized therapeutic approach focusing on major research interests of IMC – degenerative and inflammatory arthritis. Currently available tools for the disease-modifying therapy of both rheumatoid and osteo- arthritis are not satisfactory, which is highly associated with the lack of specific and sensitive disease biomarkers. The need for the application specific disease biomarkers has been emphasized as they increase the success rate of drug development programmes and thereby accelerate the availability of new therapeutics. Partnerships that provide access to tissue banks, data, cell lines, biomarkers, patients and funding are essential for the development of novel therapeutics. Therefore, this three partner consortium identified the demand to develop an innovative joint-research strategy comprising application of novel therapeutics for arthritis, associated with the development of precision biomarkers for monitoring the efficacy of this treatment. The results of this project will contribute to increased attractiveness of IMC, retention of research talents and mobilization of national and European resources for strategic investments, as well as foster networking and business ideas.