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Project title: Long-term State Research Program «Research platform for innovative products in biomedicine and photonics» (BioPhoT)
Project No.: IVPP-EM-Inovācija-2024/1-0002
Period: 13.12.2024.-30.11.2026.
Project total costs: 17 100 000,00 EUR
Principal Investigator: Osvalds Pugovičs (Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis)
Cooperation partner: Institute of Electronics and Computer Science (EDI), Institute of Food safety, Animal Health and Environment (BIOR), Institute of the Solid State Physics (ISSP), Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre (LBMC), Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC), Riga Stradins University (RSU), Riga Technical University (RTU), University of Latvia (UL)
Project summary:
This project aims at establishing of a long-term multidisciplinary Research and Innovation Platform implementing research and innovation projects in the sectors of biomedicine and photonics. The Platform includes Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (LIOS, coordinator), Institute of Electronics and Computer Science (EDI), Institute of Food safety, Animal Health and Environment (BIOR), Institute of the Solid State Physics (ISSP), Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre (LBMC), Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC), Riga Stradins University (RSU), Riga Technical University (RTU), University of Latvia (UL). The goal of the project is to deliver at least 35 new technologies at TRL at least 3 or 4 by 2032, and at least 23 of these technologies meet TRL 5 or 6.
Information published 13.12.2024.
Project progress:
Following the first round of the BioPhoT Research and Innovation Project (R&IP) competition, funding has been awarded to two R&IPs submitted by BMC:
Project title: Functional liquid biopsies for the detection and monitoring of cancer (FLUID-C)
Principal Investigator: PhD Aija Linē
Project No.: OSI_PIP_BioPhoT-2025/1-0032
Period: 1st October 2025 – 30 September 2026
Project summary:
A substantial number of studies demonstrate that cancer-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) promote cancer development by triggering various intracellular signal transduction pathways in recipient cells. Here, we propose to develop a conceptually novel liquid biopsy for the detection and monitoring of cancer based on assessing the functional impact of plasma EVs on the gene expression of recipient cells. In this one-year project, we aim to establish proof of concept for this technology in the context of breast cancer (BC).
The key components of the proposed technology are recipient cells that respond to cancer-derived EV signals with robust and reproducible changes in the expression of specific genes. Hence, the main R&D objectives of the FLUID-C project are to engineer tumour-derived fibroblast cell lines to serve as EV-responsive biosensors and to identify gene expression signatures specifically induced by plasma EVs from BC patients, but not by those from healthy individuals.
Key commercialisation activities will include the development of an intellectual property (IP) management strategy, a detailed commercialisation roadmap, the identification of potential industry partners, and targeted communication efforts. We anticipate that the FLUID-C will deliver proof of concept for cancer detection through the assessment of EV-inducible genes in biosensor cells, thereby advancing the technology to TRL3, and establish a clear pathway toward market entry.
Project title: Enhanced hollow fiber bioreactor add-on for induced therapeutic EV production (EVBoost)
Principal Investigator: PhD Karīna Narbute
Project No.: OSI_PIP_BioPhoT-2025/1-0030
Period: 1st October 2025 – 30 September 2026
Project summary:
The EVBoost project revolutionizes extracellular vesicle (EV) production from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by introducing an innovative bioreactor add-on that uses Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field (ELF-EMF) stimulation. This addresses the critical need for scalable, cost-effective therapeutic MSC-derived EVs, a current bottleneck due to labor-intensive, low-yield methods that often compromise EV integrity. EVBoost’s novel approach non-invasively boosts EV secretion within a hollow fiber bioreactor, building on preliminary data and existing research showing enhanced EV yield without harming cell viability or EV therapeutic properties.
To achieve its goals, the project will conduct in-depth B2B market research with bioreactor manufacturers and EV therapy developers to pinpoint industry needs and customer problems. It will also secure intellectual property through a patent application with a specialized IP firm. Comprehensive multiomics analysis of EVs and cells will precisely quantify ELF-EMF’s effect on EV composition, ensuring therapeutic efficacy and validating production claims. EVBoost will engage in targeted marketing and public relations, including participation in key industry events and direct stakeholder meetings, and develop a robust business model with at least three distinct go-to-market scenarios. Finally, a detailed strategy for further research, development, and securing future financing will ensure long-term sustainability.
Information published 01.10.2025.