ChemiCare: a new frontier against calcium-related diseases
3 November 2020
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The startup ChemiCare aims to develop new drugs to regulate calcium ion levels in rare diseases related to it.
The fundamental role of calcium ion in the human body
Calcium is a crucial ion in the human body and plays a vital role in regulating numerous cellular processes.
For this reason, its concentration within cells is finely regulated by several mechanisms, one of which is the Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE).
Alterations in this mechanism, and therefore in calcium concentration, are linked to the onset of various diseases, including some rare diseases that currently lack a cure.
A remedy for calcium ion (Ca2+) imbalances
It was these premises that brought together – in the laboratories of the University of Eastern Piedmont – two research groups, one specialized in the synthesis of compounds achievable with simple chemistry (click chemistry) and the other in pharmacology and the study of calcium signals and its role within cells.
The idea born from this collaboration was to develop new molecules capable of blocking alterations in SOCE in related diseases, returning calcium to physiological levels.
Against rare diseases related to calcium
Thanks to the joint effort, the research group has discovered compounds with unique properties and great translational potential.
These compounds have been patented, and concurrently, the startup ChemiCare was founded with the mission of developing pharmacological therapies for rare diseases related to alterations of SOCE and calcium levels, such as acute pancreatitis, tubular aggregate myopathy, York platelet syndrome, and Stormorken syndrome.
State of the art
(as of October 2020)
Currently, ChemiCare is conducting preclinical studies under Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). This is a crucial phase to ensure the safety and tolerability of their lead compound in different animal models.
The startup is also interfacing with a series of companies focused on the production of the compound under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) conditions in order to complete all phases of preclinical development and meet all regulatory aspects related to the study and production of new therapeutic molecules.
ChemiCare’s goal is to complete the preclinical studies to garner interest from pharmaceutical companies to complete clinical studies and subsequently reach the market.
“We are the frontier of therapy against rare diseases related to calcium, a hope for those still incurable patients, who often remain invisible.”
Beatrice Riva, CEO ChemiCare
Gaetano Marzotto Award 2031
During the 10th edition of the Gaetano Marzotto Award, of which we are a partner, we selected ChemiCare for the “Idea to Enterprise Award” and offered them a mentorship path in our incubator..
Il partner @Bio4Dreams premia con un percorso di mentorship ChemlCare, uno spin-off che ha l’obiettivo di sviluppare una terapia per quei pazienti rari che presentano un’anomalia nell’ingresso di calcio nella cellula.#BIO4DREAMS #CHEMLCARE #COMPANYIDEAPRIZE #PGM #PGMX #PGMX2031 pic.twitter.com/wv5eqy7d0C
— PGMX 2031 (@2___0___3___1) July 6, 2020
Updates
September 2023
✅ ChemiCare officially becomes an innovative SME: a very important milestone that represents a clear sign of the growth and stability of this entity.
March 2023
🏆 ChemiCare received the “America Innovation” award: a prestigious recognition given by the Italia USA Foundation to innovative Italian entities that, with their ideas, respond to global market challenges. The award ceremony will take place in Rome at the Chamber of Deputies.
December 2022
✅ ChemiCare’s CIC-39 molecule received Orphan Drug Designation from the EMA for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
May 2022
✅ ChemiCare’s CIC-39 molecule received Orphan Drug Designation from the EMA for the treatment of a group of rare genetic diseases associated with Store-Operated Calcium Entry alterations.
March 2022
🌐 The website chemicare.it went online, a project developed by the Bio4Dreams Communication Team.
February 2022
🏆 ChemiCare won the grant call for SMEs in the BioHighTech and HighTech sectors based in Trieste – POR FESR 2014-2020 (Incentivi per le PMI dei settori BioHighTech e HighTech con sede nel comune di Trieste – POR FESR 2014-2020), ranking ninth in the list of winners
July 2021
💸 Completed the first capital increase reserved for the partner Bio4Dreams, who participated with an investment of 130,000 euros (equivalent to 24.1% of the shares).
📗 Learn more about ChemiCare and other entities in our portfolio.
Last updates
1 Jul 24
Call4Ideas FVG: award for best innovative idea to BrainDTech and BioChiCa
The innovative ideas proposed by BrainDTech and BioChiCa at the Call4Ideas FVG were selected among the 11 best.
27 Jun 24
Workshop: presentation of support measures for the FVG Life Sciences ecosystem
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26 Jun 24
Partnership with the University of Udine – Department of Medicine (DMED)
In partnership with DMED to promote research and innovation activities and technology transfer, enhancing scientific networks.