Nanogate active in life science: developing future forms of therapy for diabetes
Saarbrücken, 22 March 2007. Nanogate AG presented a new project in the field of life science at the third Nano2Life, held in Saarbrücken from 19 to 21 March 2007. By acting as a partner in a project sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the Saarbrücken-based nanotechnology company is contributing towards developing future forms of therapy for diabetes.
Saarbrücken hosted the third Nano2Life meeting from 19 to 21 March this year. Nano2Life is the first European network in the European Commission’s framework research programme with the aim of pooling existing nanobiotechnology expertise and knowledge in Europe. Nanogate AG supports this network as a sponsor, but also presented its own activities in the field of life science this year for the first time.
In conjunction with the Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering, St. Ingbert, and other clinical partners, Nanogate AG presented a scientific development project in the field of diabetes. The project is co-financed by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Combating and alleviating diabetes is a key global issue for life science. According to figures from the German Diabetes Union, some 8 million people in Germany alone already suffer from the disease (approx. 10% of the total population), and experts predict that this number will rise in the next few years.
New forms of treating diabetes mellitus are being developed by incorporating nanotechnological procedures and processes. Special nanostructured materials help to regenerate tissue and release active ingredients in a controlled fashion. If the new method is implemented successfully, it may no longer be necessary for diabetes patients to undergo immune suppression treatment, which places a strain on the body, as the new form of therapy allows insulin to be absorbed directly in the blood.
"This would certainly be a quantum leap in terms of therapy for diabetes patients. However, it is early days yet," explains Michael Jung, Managing Director of Nanogate AG. "With the help of Nanogate-Technologie®, we might be able to do more than just improving technical products and processes, and make major contributions to life science in future. For Nanogate, this project is also a highly efficient way of evaluating the potential of existing material platforms in new areas." Prof. Dr. Heiko Zimmermann from the Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering agrees: "Drug delivery systems based on nanotechnology offer totally new ways of controlling the way in which active ingredients are released in the human body. So we are delighted that Nanogate AG – a major development partner in the chemical nanotechnology sector – agreed to take part in the project."
