Drug delivery to tumours: award for technology that can help fight lung cancer

Dr. Romina Mitarotonda, a researcher at the University of Buenos Aires' Institute for Technological Development and Productivity (Iudpt) and co-founder of the startup Odycell, has been awarded first place in the latest edition of Nano Impact, Argentina's premier competition in nanotechnology. The award was presented by the Argentine Foundation for Nanotechnology. She also received special recognition at the recently concluded Córdoba Investment Forum. Her work focuses on developing models using human cells to evaluate new biomedical technologies before clinical trials. Mitarotonda leads a project at Iudpt aimed at addressing a critical flaw in the biotech industry: many treatments succeed in the lab but fail in later stages because traditional tests cannot replicate the complex interactions between cells, the immune system, and their environment. “The goal is to create complex, reproducible cell platforms that allow us to more accurately predict the effectiveness of a treatment before entering clinical trials, reducing costs and time for startups and pharmaceutical companies,” she emphasized. Her research trajectory spans over 15 years. A graduate with a degree in Biological Sciences and a doctorate in Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Matarotonda began her career at the National Institute for Agricultural Technology’s (INTA) Institute of Biotechnology. She deepened her studies on how nanoparticles interact with blood and the immune system. She has also conducted research periods at Brazil's Cancer Institute, the Federal University of Piauí, and the Pasteur Institute in Montevideo. During the pandemic, she coordinated the Molecular Virology Laboratory at Hospital Dubarry in Mercedes. The dual recognition validates both the scientific development and the business model potential of Odycell, the startup she co-founded with bioengineer Manuela Alanis. Their platform, named Ithaca, uses programmable bioactive nanoparticles to leverage the body's immune cells as biological vehicles to deliver nanomedicine directly to tumors. This technology is designed to act simultaneously on malignant cells and the tumor microenvironment that promotes resistance to treatments. Its initial focus is on non-small cell lung cancer. “We aim to intervene in the tumor as an integrated ecosystem. We combine the precision of biological transport with an adaptable and manufacturable platform, without needing to extract or genetically modify cells from each patient individually,” Matarotonda highlighted. Odycell has already secured support from the specialized fund CITES and angel investors, accumulating $100,000 in initial funding. The company is preparing to launch a pre-seed round aimed at selecting and validating its primary therapeutic candidate, strengthening intellectual property rights, and advancing regulatory phases to negotiate licenses or joint developments with the biopharmaceutical industry. Mitarotonda's research builds on her extensive experience in biotechnology and immunology, focusing on creating innovative solutions that bridge laboratory success with real-world application. Her work represents a significant step forward in personalized medicine and targeted therapies for cancer treatment. The recognition from Nano Impact and the Córdoba Investment Forum underscores the growing interest in nanotechnology applications within the medical field. It highlights the potential of combining advanced materials science with biological systems to develop more effective and efficient treatments for diseases such as cancer. Mitarotonda’s team continues to refine their approach, aiming to address challenges in drug delivery and improve outcomes for patients suffering from aggressive forms of cancer. Their efforts reflect a broader trend toward interdisciplinary collaboration in scientific innovation, bringing together expertise from biology, engineering, and pharmacology to tackle complex health issues. The success of Odycell and the recognition of Matarotonda’s work signal a promising future for nanotechnology in healthcare. As the startup moves forward with its fundraising plans, it aims to establish itself as a leader in the emerging field of nanomedicine, offering novel approaches to treating previously difficult-to-manage conditions.