In a significant scientific advance, researchers from the Malaga Biomedical Research Institute and Nanomedicine Platform (IBIMA BIONAND Platform) and the Regional University Hospital of Malaga, together with the biotechnology company EURONUTRA, have identified the potential of D-Pinitol, an inositol present in a natural carob extract, to modulate the Tau protein, a key component in the appearance of neurodegenerative dementias known as tauopathies.
This discovery represents an important progress that can positively influence the treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, frontotemporal dementia and progressive supranuclear palsy. The results of this collaboration, which combine innovation and Mediterranean botanical tradition, have been patented internationally and highlighted in the prestigious British Journal of Pharmacology.
Innovative products aimed at improving health
Euronutra, located in the Málaga TechPark –Andalusia Technology Park– in Málaga, specializes in the research and development of innovative solutions for chronic diseases, focused on areas such as neuroscience and cardiovascular health. With more than 25 years of experience, this company has stood out in the manufacture of D-Pinitol and other natural bioactives, demonstrating its leadership in the development of sustainable and advanced therapies.
Dr. Fernando Rodríguez de Fonseca, leader of the ‘Neuropsychopharmacology’ group of the Institute, linked to the Mental Health Clinical Management Unit of the Regional Hospital of Málaga, has pointed out that “this achievement marks a milestone in our search for more effective therapies for complex disorders of the nervous system.
“The research process has involved meticulous analysis and in-depth exploration to achieve these results,” he added. Dina Medina Vera, doctoral student at the University of Malaga, will soon defend her doctoral thesis, focused on the characterization of the effect of D-Pinitol, which she has studied for the last four years.
“This achievement marks a milestone in our search for more effective therapies for complex nervous system disorders”
“The continuous collaboration with the research teams and IBIMA BIONAND Platform has been essential to drive innovation in our company, allowing us to take our science and technology to a global level,” highlighted Carlos Sanjuan, CEO of Euronutra, who has also emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “This discovery not only scientifically validates our compound, but also opens up new possibilities for previously unexplored pharmaceutical applications.”
The studies have been financed through public-private collaboration instruments, such as the driving projects of the Junta de Andalucía, the Challenges-Collaboration projects of the Ministry of Science and Innovation and the technological development projects of the Carlos III Health Institute.
“This is an excellent example of the positive impact that public-private collaboration and technology transfer have in accelerating the development of innovative products aimed at improving health,” concludes Isabel Guerrero, head of the Innovation and Technology Transfer Unit of IBIMA.
Source: Andalusian Health Service
