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Light-activated drugs against neuropathic pain

A team of researchers led by the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) has developed light-activated derivatives of the anti-epileptic drug carbamazepine to treat neuropathic pain. These compounds, which show analgesic effects when activated by light, can inhibit nerve signals locally and on demand. Photopharmacological treatments offer precise action at the site of application, thus reducing systemic side effects.

Marina Giannotti and Nina Kostina receive the BIST Mothers of Science Grant

The IBEC senior researchers were two of the winners of the fourth edition of the call for applications. Through this initiative, BIST recognises and supports scientist mothers working to reach a leading position and advance the research in their fields.

Luminescent Nanoparticle-based Implants for Pain and Epilepsy Treatment

The IBEC is set to lead the coordination of the PHOTOTHERAPORT project, which will be developed with funding from the European Innovation Council’s Pathfinder Open programme. The project focuses on the development of luminescent implants and light-activated drugs for innovative neuromodulation therapies. PHOTOTHERAPORT will comprise an international consortium of 8 institutions and will receive €3 million over 3 years for the preclinical study of these implants.

Researchers induce brain activation using infrared light-controlled drugs

A pioneering study led by IBEC in collaboration with ICFO has unveiled a method to control brain activity in living organisms using drugs activated by infrared light. This cutting-edge technique activates a specific neurotransmitter receptor using light that can penetrate deep into tissue and offers unparalleled pharmacological and spatiotemporal precision in three dimensions. The findings open new frontiers for neurobiology research and the development of light-based noninvasive neuromodulation therapies.

IBEC becomes the first research center in Spain to certify its laboratories as sustainable

IBEC’s Core Facilities and nine of its research groups have undergone the “green laboratory” certification process granted by the My Green Lab organization, all awarded with the highest levels of … Read more