Research Grants
Dedicated to driving scientific progress and empowering visionary researchers and academics worldwide, the ICPO Foundation is powered by generous philanthropic contributions and patient donations. Through ICPO research grants specifically tailored to the dynamic field of Radiotheranostics, we facilitate groundbreaking advancements in healthcare. Guided by the expertise of our esteemed Scientific Advisory Board, chaired by Professor Richard P. Baum and comprising over 15 leading experts worldwide, ICPO carefully selects and supports exciting research projects from the start to finish.
Every application undergoes thorough evaluation by our Scientific Advisory Board, with funding approvals granted quarterly. We focus exclusively on projects within the scientific realm of Radiotheranostics and extend our support globally, encouraging academic breakthroughs and shaping the future of healthcare standards and innovation on a significant scale. Join us in pioneering the future of healthcare.
For application and more information please contact:
Karim Bouterfa
International Expansion Project Manager
karim.bouterfa@icpo.foundation
ICPO is pleased to support and fund academic research in Radiotheranostics, made possible by the generous donations from patients. Through ICPO Research Grants, we provide vital seed funding for projects led by emerging talents, paving the way for their growth in new career paths within the field of Radiotheranostics. In applying for an ICPO Grant via our application form, you will provide us with a detailed description of your project and a breakdown of costs.
Additionally, you will ensure to include official documentation verifying your affiliation with a public institution. Kindly note that ICPO does not fund purchases of medical equipment. Our focus remains dedicated to supporting research activities related to Radiotheranostics. Rest assured, your application will undergo thorough review by our esteemed Scientific Advisory Board, comprising over 15 international experts in Radiomolecular Precision Oncology. Please find below some examples of our ICPO Grants.
Illustration of a few projects funded by ICPO Research Grants
Investigation of 161Tb-based PSMA radioligand therapy: efficacy and safety evaluation in clinically relevant mouse models
PSI Paul Scherrer Institut – Dr. Korbinian Krieger and PhD Cristina Müller
Targeted radionuclide therapy delivers ionizing radiation to tumor cells through the accumulation of intravenously injected radiopharmaceuticals. In the case of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, the currently used agent [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 is limited by side effects from the accumulation of radioligand in non-tumor tissues and the moderate biological efficacy of 177Lu.
To address these shortcomings, [161Tb]Tb-SibuDAB was developed at ETH Zurich/Paul Scherrer Institute. An added albumin-binding moiety enhanced the blood circulation time and, hence, increased the tumor dose while reducing off-target accumulation. Open questions remain as to the overall tolerability of [161Tb]Tb-SibuDAB and its effectiveness in neutralizing bone metastases. The objective is to conduct a tolerability and efficacy study of [161Tb]Tb-SibuDAB in two different rodent models. If tolerability and efficacy can be ascertained, [161Tb]Tb-SibuDAB will be introduced into clinical use in Switzerland in a phase I trial.
Development of 18F-labeled radioligands for PET imaging of PD-L1 positive tumors
Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden – Prof. Dr. Klaus Kopka & Dr. Sven Stadlbauer
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis is a very promising treatment option for cancer therapy. However, since only ca. 30% of patients respond to ICI therapy, a diagnostic tool is highly sought after to identify those patients prior to therapy who are likely to respond. Positron emission tomography / computer tomography (PET/CT) allows to address the temporospatial heterogeneity of PD-L1 dysregulation and thus would be an ideal tool to answer the likeliness of a therapy response. Therefore, this project aims on developing a 18F-PET tracer based on the highly water-soluble small molecule radioligands previously reported by our group for 64Cu labelling.
FAP Theranostics- Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs)-Targeted Imaging and Therapy and Combination with Immunotherapy or Chemotherapy (including also other radioligands)
Dr. Jingjing Zhang & Vivianne Jakobsson
This project aims to utilize 177Lu and 225Ac conjugated with FAP for targeted imaging and therapy in solid tumors, focusing on cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Additionally, it seeks to investigate the synergistic effects of PD-L1 immunotherapy or chemotherapy with FAP-targeted radionuclide therapy, aiming to enhance treatment efficacy beyond single modalities. Preclinical tests will explore various radiopharmaceuticals for PTRT targets and identify immune targets that may improve efficacy through better crosstalk with RLT. Moreover, the project aims to address cases of alpha/beta irresponsive and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor-resistant patients to develop more effective treatments.