VBHI – Interdisciplinary Catalyser

Issues and objectives

“Precision medicine” refers to treatments developed on the basis of a better understanding of the biological mechanisms involved in a disease. This improved knowledge is particularly important for identifying and characterising the precursor signals of its development (biomarkers). In the case of cerebral small vessel disease, it has also been established that these biological mechanisms vary considerably depending on genetic characteristics.

The aim of the VBHI – Interdisciplinary Catalyser is to systematically exploit the knowledge gained from the Institute’s research, in particular the potential biomarkers identified through imaging (brain, retina), multi-omics approaches and statistical analysis of large cohorts, to develop targeted therapeutic approaches for the treatment of small cerebral vessel disease and its consequences.

Drawing on 12 teams with multi-disciplinary expertise (biology, chemistry, physics, behavioural neuroscience, digital technology, etc. ) with unique biomedical skills (bioorganic chemistry, biomedical engineering and nanotechnologies, allele-specific oligonucleotide (ASO), peptidomimetic and foldamer chemistry, aptamer, micromolecules) and cutting-edge equipment, the VBHI – Interdisciplinary Catalyser is developing systematic research approaches guided by “omics” sciences, to validate therapeutic targets and accelerate clinical advances through to their application in patients, including the repositioning of existing molecules.

The VBHI – Interdisciplinary Catalyser’s mastery of techniques and integration of expertise in epidemiology and cell biology will be a major asset in positioning the Institute as an international leader in biomedical innovation for the creation of future treatments for small cerebral vessel disease using a “precision medicine” approach.

Priority areas:

• Carrying out cutting-edge multiomics research to improve detection of people at risk and discover new etiological mechanisms and therapeutic targets for small cerebral vessel disease;
• Developing a new generation of personalised drugs to treat small vessel disease;
• Assess the contribution of digital therapies to the prevention and treatment of cerebrovascular disease and its consequences (cognitive decline).

It is estimated that 400 million people worldwide have small cerebral vessel disease, with a wide disparity in prevalence between continents. Most are unaware of it. All face an increased risk of developing stroke or dementia as a result of the disease. Developing strategies that take account of the heterogeneity of genetic profiles to identify and treat the disease represents a major public health opportunity to prevent its consequences.

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