Then, the formulation has to be tested, which is done in close collaboration with other research laboratories. Assessment of the efficiency of the vector is initially conducted on cell culture models before being tested on live subjects, generally mice. Depending on the nature of the project, these stages are conducted either with the Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology led by Professors Foidart and Noël (LBTD), with the Metastasis Research Laboratory headed up by Professor Castronovo (LRM), or with the Laboratory of Experimental Pathology (Professor Delvenne) (LEP). Clinical trials will take place later ...

Among the projects underway, Piel cites an active targeting project which targets endothelial cells to inhibit tumoral angiogenesis, with a polymeric vector transporting si-RNA, and another using lipidic vectors and si-RNA to inhibit the production of certain proteins in the case of cancers related to the HPV virus, particularly cervical cancers. 'In the latter example, the idea is to exercise prolonged inhibition, so we need to find a system that enables the vector to remain in contact with the cervix for as long as possible. This project is conducted with the support of Télévie; it is still really fundamental, because there is currently no treatment of this kind on the market.' Another project, conducted in collaboration with the Human Genetics Laboratory led by Professor Vincent Bours, aims to administer a natural molecule, which would have interesting anticancerous properties for the treatment of glioblastoma.



That said, the Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology  can already boast some encouraging results. 'In partnership with the LBTD, we developed a liposome for pH-sensitive delivery of an active peptide for breast cancer treatment, which allows specific targeting to tumor cells.. The vector operates very well ... but the active molecule has not yet been finalised. So, for the time being, the project is on stand-by.' Another promising project is the 'Carcinom' project which focuses on the administration of genetic material for the treatment of basocellular skin cancers, with activation by phototherapy. 'The project has ended but will be continued through the Télévie project on cervical cancer. The results are encouraging, and we hope one day to end up with something marketable.'

But it doesn't end there!

Don't think for one second that the “galenists” are resting on their laurels! Because, after fine-tuned the ideal vector, they then have to find robust ways of producing it. There is a world of difference between the trial and error potentially leading to success in the lab and industrial manufacture of the same product! 'If one day we want to introduce a drug to the market,' states Piel, 'the manufacturing process must be transposable to the industrial scale, which is no mean feat. Then, the object also needs to be sterilised, bearing in mind that, in general, procedures involving heat cannot be used due to the danger of modifying it. Finally, the vector must also be stable, because it is not feasible to have a drug which has a life expectancy of six months. Liposomes are often unstable in aqueous environments, so they need to be lyophilised, to create a powder which is then dispersed before injection.' The research must be perfect, down to the smallest details ...