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Nano-I-Drops wins Venture Challenge Fall 2012
€25,000 for drug carrier for eye drops
December 12, 2012
The winner of the Venture Challenge Fall 2012 and the €25,000 prize
money is Nano-I-Drops, which has developed a drug carrier for eye drops
based on DNA nanoparticles. The announcement took place at the Dutch
Life Sciences & Health Conference on December 11.
According
to the jury of the Venture Challenge, composed of experienced life
sciences entrepreneurs and investors, Nano-I-Drops has a clear
proposition for a real medical need that offers interesting commercial
opportunities. Furthermore, there is room for solid IP protection of
their technology and application, which further enhances the commercial
potential of the venture. "Last but not least, Nano-I-Drops can boast a
strong team that brings complementary expertise to the venture", adds
Carine van den Brink of Axon Lawyers, who chaired the Venture Challenge
jury.
About Nano-I-Drops
In treating eye diseases, the presence of tear fluid and the continuous
movement of the eyelids pose serious challenges. To counter these
obstacles, frequent administration of highly concentrated eye drops is
necessary, which in turn results in two problems: substantial side
effects and poor compliance. The latter is a well-known shortcoming of
currently used therapies for eye diseases. In general, only 60% of the
population is capable of correctly following medical advice when eye
drops should be administered three times a day. Nano-I-Drops has
developed a drug carrier for eye drops that is based on DNA
nanoparticles that exhibit high affinity for the cornea. This high
affinity enables lower concentration of active compounds and less
frequent administration schemes. The result is less side effects and
better compliance, which will boost effectiveness of eye disease
therapies. Nano-I-Drops' carrier is suitable for a wide variety of
ophthalmic drugs. The venture will first focus on formulating drops for
two indications: glaucoma and eye infections, which both represent
billion dollar markets. |
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For more information:
Chrétien Herben, Manager NGI Valorisation | Netherlands Genomics Initiative
T +31 70 344 0959 |
herben@genomics.nl
About the Venture Challenge
The Venture Challenge offers advice and coaching on essential
elements of setting up a life sciences business. In two 3-day workshops,
participating teams are continuously challenged by the facilitators and
each other to streamline their business plan and improve their 'pitch'.
The team with the best business plan and pitch is awarded €25,000 to
further develop their venture.
The Venture Challenge Spring 2013 - the 10th edition! - welcomes
submissions by interested parties. The deadline for proposals is
February 27. For details on submission requirements and general
information on the Venture Challenge visit
www.venturechallenge.nl.

The Venture Challenge is part of the start-up support programme:
LifeSciences@work -
www.lifesciencesatwork.nl
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