The research project "Assessment of damage to the blood-brain barrier in subarachnoid haemorrhage", in which CIC biomaGUNE researchers Pedro Ramos and Abraham Martín are both involved, has been selected for funding from the Fundació La Marató de TV3 in 2017.
The Ikerbasque researchers Pedro Ramos and Abraham Martín are conducting their project in the CIC biomaGUNE Molecular Imaging Unit, from where they collaborate with the research study being conducted by the neurologist Dr. Sergio Amaro in the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona. Researchers from the Institut d’investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) are also working alongside the groups from the Hospital Clinic and CIC biomaGUNE.
The work of Pedro Ramos and Abraham Martín in the CIC biomaGUNE Molecular Imaging Unit is one of three subprojects being taken forward within the study. Their particular focus is on the use of advanced molecular imaging techniques in preclinical models of this pathology to develop understanding of its mechanisms of action and progression, as well as of the use of nanotechnology for the development of new therapeutic agents to combat the pathology more effectively.
The Molecular Imaging Unit, included in the Spanish State’s Map of Singular Scientific and Technological Infrastructures (ICTS), enables in vivo nanomaterial testing to be conducted and includes an animal housing facility, a cyclotron for the creation of radioactive isotopes, reactors to transfer those isotopes to the molecules or nanoparticles under study and tomography equipment based on radiochemistry, X-rays and magnetic resonance. This combination of techniques enables in vivo studies to be conducted, whilst the techniques themselves form an integral part of the Centre where the materials to be studied are produced.
The mission of the Fundació La Marató de TV3 is to promote biomedical research using the funds raised through the telethon. The research activity funded by the Foundation promotes cross-sectional and translational research, as shown through increasing investment in basic and clinical research projects and in coordinated projects, involving the networking of different institutions. In the case of the project involving CIC biomaGUNE, funding will amount to EUR 399,653.
The Fundació promotes biomedical research using the funds raised through the La Marató de TV3 telethon and Catalunya Ràdio. Projects submitted for funding are reviewed and referred for assessment to the Agencia de Calidad y Evaluación Sanitaria de Catalunya (AQUAS) / Agency for Health Quality and Assessment of Catalonia, part of the Health Department of the Regional Government of Catalonia.