Co-Designed Nanomedicines (Codename)

The Co-Designed Nanomedicines group (CODENAME) designs drug delivery systems (DDSs) for challenging medical needs. We develop optimized bespoke solutions for specific diseases or drug compound delivery problems. Our research focus is on nanomedicine technologies, as they provide several benefits in terms of drug distribution, targeted therapies, and DDS modifiability. Importantly, our design process includes multiple angles that consider not only the efficacy and safety of medication, but also the imaging tools, and the clinical-industrial translatability of the treatments.

The concept of co-design in our group relates to the broad and complementary areas of expertise of the individual researchers. We tackle all challenges as a cohesive unit tapping into the know-how of our members. Additionally, we invite our collaborators to actively participate in the design process and solve their drug delivery needs on case-by-case basis.

Relevancy of our research
Currently and in the future, the most serious therapeutic needs require site specific DDSs. For example, biologicals are ever more important class of drug compounds and their efficient delivery to the correct site of action is paramount. Nanoscale delivery systems are good option for protection and targeting of biologicals.

Our research is especially focused on cancer treatments and ocular diseases, both of which have bottlenecks in therapy related to efficient drug delivery. Improved safety with less adverse effects, while retaining the potency of the drugs, enhances the quality of life for numerous cancer patients. On the other hand, while not always life threatening, ocular diseases are more and more prevalent in the ageing society and the protected nature of the eye poses interesting challenges in drug delivery.

The main research areas of CODENAME are:

• Nanoparticles: lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, melanin nanoparticles
• Melanin targeting
• Ocular and cancer therapies
• Peptide based targeting
• Barcoded delivery systems
• Stimuli responsive drug release systems, esp. with light signal
• In silico simulations