Nanbiosis

NANBIOSIS advances targeted nanomedicine for Acute Myeloid Leukemia on World Cancer Day

NANBIOSIS Unit 18 contributes to two studies advancing CXCR4-targeted nanoconjugates for acute myeloid leukemia, highlighted on World Cancer Day.

On the occasion of World Cancer Day, NANBIOSIS highlights the recent publication of two scientific articles advancing a novel line of research focused on the development of targeted nanoconjugates for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Both studies include the active participation of NANBIOSIS Unit 18, reinforcing the Unit’s role in the preclinical development and evaluation of innovative cancer nanomedicines.

Optimizing conjugation strategies to enhance antitumor efficacy

The first study, “Conjugation strategy shapes antitumor efficacy and enables dose-sparing in non-antibody protein nanoconjugates”, addresses a key challenge in cancer nanomedicine: improving therapeutic selectivity while minimizing systemic toxicity. While antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) are considered the gold standard in targeted therapies, their clinical limitations have driven the search for alternative approaches.

In this work, researchers evaluated how site-specific conjugation strategies influence the biodistribution and antitumor efficacy of a CXCR4-targeted multivalent protein nanocarrier loaded with the cytotoxic drug monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE). The results demonstrated that precise payload positioning significantly impacts therapeutic performance. Notably, a site-specific design achieved comparable tumor control with a four-fold lower drug load, highlighting the potential of dose-sparing strategies in next-generation protein-based nanomedicines.

Precision targeting of CXCR4⁺ leukemia cells in AML models

The second publication, “Precision targeting of CXCR4+ leukemia cells by a humanized MMAE-nanoconjugate in an AML mouse model”, focuses on overcoming chemoresistance and relapse in AML, which are largely driven by therapy-resistant leukemic stem cells in the bone marrow.

The study describes the development of T22-HSNBT-H6-MMAE, a humanized nanoconjugate designed to selectively target CXCR4-overexpressing leukemia cells, a biomarker associated with poor prognosis in approximately 50% of AML patients. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated potent antileukemic activity, including complete suppression of leukemic dissemination and prolonged survival in a disseminated AML mouse model, without systemic toxicity. Importantly, the nanoconjugate showed selectivity for malignant cells while sparing healthy bone marrow and peripheral blood cells.

The role of NANBIOSIS Unit 18

NANBIOSIS Unit 18, located at the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau (Barcelona) and coordinated by Dr. Ramón Mangues, specializes in nanotoxicology and preclinical safety assessment. The Unit evaluates the toxicity and tolerability of new drugs, nanoparticles and nanotechnology-based biomaterials using in vitro and in vivo models, supporting the optimization of lead compounds with higher probabilities of clinical success.

With advanced facilities for cell culture, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy and in vivo experimentation in small animal models, Unit 18 plays a key role in ensuring the safety, efficacy and translational potential of innovative nanomedicine approaches.

Together, these two studies underscore the contribution of NANBIOSIS to cutting-edge cancer research and highlight the promise of CXCR4-targeted nanoconjugates as a new therapeutic strategy for patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

What is NANBIOSIS?

The goal of NANBIOSIS is to provide comprehensive and integrated advanced solutions for companies and research institutions in biomedical applications. All of this is done through a single-entry point, involving the design and production of biomaterials, nanomaterials, and their nanoconjugates. This includes their characterization from physical-chemical, functional, toxicological, and biological perspectives (preclinical validation).

If you want to collaborate with us, visit our Order Request page.

Leading scientists

The main value of NANBIOSIS is our highly qualified and experienced academic scientists, working in public institutions, renowned universities and other research institutes.

Custom solutions

Designed for either scientific collaboration or the private industry, we adapt our services to your needs, filling the gaps and paving the way towards the next breakthrough.

Cutting-Edge facilities

Publicly funded, with the most advanced equipment, offering a wide variety of services from synthesis of nanoparticles and medical devices, including up to preclinical trials.

Standards of quality

Our services have standards of quality required in the pharmaceutical, biotech and medtech sectors, from Good Practices to ISO certifications.

In order to access our Cutting-Edge Biomedical Solutions with priority access, enter our Competitive Call here.

NANBIOSIS has worked with pharmaceutical companies of all sizes in the areas of drug delivery, biomaterials and regenerative medicine. Here are a few of them:

NANBIOSIS Unit 2 (CAbS) at the III SENTIATECH Meeting on Science, Technology & Health Risk Monitoring

NANBIOSIS Unit 2 (CAbS) participates in the III SENTIATECH Meeting, showcasing nanobiotechnology and diagnostics for health risk monitoring.

NANBIOSIS is actively represented at the III SENTIATECH Meeting | Science, Technology & Health Risk Monitoring through the Nb4D research group, in which NANBIOSIS Unit 2 “CAbS” is integrated. This third edition of the SENTIATECH Meeting focuses on presenting the SENTIATECH platform and strengthening collaboration between research centers and industry to tackle current and emerging challenges in defense and chemical–biological risk management.

During the meeting, Dr. J. Pablo Salvador, Tenured Scientist and member of the Nb4D group, is coordinating Working Group 4 (WG4), dedicated to the monitoring and diagnosis of health-related risks. This working group addresses key scientific and technological strategies for early detection, surveillance, and response to threats affecting human health.

In parallel, the Nb4D group has a dedicated exhibition space at the event, where it is presenting its research and technological capabilities in nanobiotechnology, diagnostics, and antibody-based solutions. As experts in immunoassay development, the group showcases advanced tools for the detection of pathogens, toxins, chemical contaminants, and other threatening substances, reinforcing the relevance of NANBIOSIS infrastructures in high-impact risk scenarios.

The SENTIATECH Meeting brings together stakeholders from academia, research institutions, and industry with the shared objective of:

• Presenting technological solutions for defense and chemical–biological risk scenarios
• Fostering collaborative synergies between science and industry
• Defining a strategic agenda to address emerging and future risks effectively

Participation in this forum highlights the commitment of NANBIOSIS and its units to technology transfer, innovation, and the application of cutting-edge science to protect human health and security.

What is NANBIOSIS?

The goal of NANBIOSIS is to provide comprehensive and integrated advanced solutions for companies and research institutions in biomedical applications. All of this is done through a single-entry point, involving the design and production of biomaterials, nanomaterials, and their nanoconjugates. This includes their characterization from physical-chemical, functional, toxicological, and biological perspectives (preclinical validation).

If you want to collaborate with us, visit our Open Call page.

Leading scientists

The main value of NANBIOSIS is our highly qualified and experienced academic scientists, working in public institutions, renowned universities and other research institutes.

Custom solutions

Designed for either scientific collaboration or the private industry, we adapt our services to your needs, filling the gaps and paving the way towards the next breakthrough.

Cutting-Edge facilities

Publicly funded, with the most advanced equipment, offering a wide variety of services from synthesis of nanoparticles and medical devices, including up to preclinical trials.

Standards of quality

Our services have standards of quality required in the pharmaceutical, biotech and medtech sectors, from Good Practices to ISO certifications.

In order to access our Cutting-Edge Biomedical Solutions with priority access, enter our Competitive Call here.

NANBIOSIS has worked with pharmaceutical companies of all sizes in the areas of drug delivery, biomaterials and regenerative medicine. Here are a few of them:

Preclinical Histology Workflow within NANBIOSIS

New video shows the Preclinical Histology workflow of NANBIOSIS Unit 20 at VHIR, part of an integrated platform for preclinical validation and imaging.

NANBIOSIS has published a new video on its YouTube channel showcasing the Preclinical Histology Section, one of the key service areas of NANBIOSIS Unit 20 – In vivo Experimental Platform, located at the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) in Barcelona.

The Preclinical Histology Section provides specialized tissue processing and staining services for the evaluation of therapeutic compounds and biomarkers in preclinical research. Operating within ISO-certified facilities, the team works with both paraffin-embedded and OCT-embedded frozen samples, offering high-level expertise in histological staining, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence.

The video focuses on the paraffin-embedded sample workflow, demonstrating each step of the process: reception and classification of formalin-fixed samples, automated tissue processing, paraffin embedding, precise block orientation, microtome sectioning, and hematoxylin–eosin staining. The section routinely handles a wide range of biological materials, from whole organs to delicate tissues and advanced 3D models such as organoids, ensuring reproducibility and high-quality results.

Importantly, the Preclinical Histology Section is part of the broader NANBIOSIS Unit 20, which comprises three integrated sections: Molecular Imaging, Preclinical Animal Models, and Preclinical Histology. All three are embedded within the Functional Validation & Preclinical Research (FVPR) area of CIBBIM-Nanomedicine. This integrated structure enables Unit 20 to offer comprehensive preclinical proof-of-concept validation services.

Led by Dr. Ibane Abasolo, Head of FVPR, Unit 20 stands out for combining toxicology, histopathology, and efficacy studies with non-invasive optical imaging technologies, including in vivo bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging. This unique combination allows longitudinal monitoring of living animal models, providing real-time insights into treatment efficacy, biodistribution, and mechanisms of action. While similar imaging technologies exist elsewhere in Spain, Unit 20 is unique in offering them fully integrated with dedicated preclinical animal models.

This new video offers a practical glimpse into the high-quality preclinical services available through NANBIOSIS Unit 20.
More information about the unit and its full service portfolio is available on the NANBIOSIS website.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PwYuCOJALlE

What is NANBIOSIS?

The goal of NANBIOSIS is to provide comprehensive and integrated advanced solutions for companies and research institutions in biomedical applications. All of this is done through a single-entry point, involving the design and production of biomaterials, nanomaterials, and their nanoconjugates. This includes their characterization from physical-chemical, functional, toxicological, and biological perspectives (preclinical validation).

If you want to collaborate with us, visit our Open Call page.

Leading scientists

The main value of NANBIOSIS is our highly qualified and experienced academic scientists, working in public institutions, renowned universities and other research institutes.

Custom solutions

Designed for either scientific collaboration or the private industry, we adapt our services to your needs, filling the gaps and paving the way towards the next breakthrough.

Cutting-Edge facilities

Publicly funded, with the most advanced equipment, offering a wide variety of services from synthesis of nanoparticles and medical devices, including up to preclinical trials.

Standards of quality

Our services have standards of quality required in the pharmaceutical, biotech and medtech sectors, from Good Practices to ISO certifications.

In order to access our Cutting-Edge Biomedical Solutions with priority access, enter our Competitive Call here.

NANBIOSIS has worked with pharmaceutical companies of all sizes in the areas of drug delivery, biomaterials and regenerative medicine. Here are a few of them: