From the laboratory to the patient: the "la Caixa" Foundation promotes 31 biomedicine and health projects

The winning projects—selected from 428 applications—were evaluated by six panels of international experts and professionals in the field. This year's selections include 15 projects led by researchers from 13 Catalan research centers. Among the projects selected this year are some that could transform cancer treatment: from non-invasive blood tests for advanced lung cancer to immunotherapies based on modified cells for aggressive childhood tumors. A new digital solution for treating complex wounds has also been developed, which will improve support for healthcare professionals. In women's health, an innovative mesh for pelvic organ prolapse is being presented; in the field of genetic diseases, progress is being made toward safer RNA-based therapies; and in the area of neurodegenerative diseases, toward the early detection of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

By business area, 14 of the selected projects fall under the field of therapies. These are followed by projects related to medical devices, 12 of which stand out for their potential to improve healthcare. In the field of diagnostics, four proposals have been identified with the capacity to transform the early detection of diseases, and finally, one project focused on digital health. Regarding funding, the projects receive between €50,000 and €500,000, depending on their stage of development, to support their growth over the coming years. In this call for proposals, 17 projects have been awarded Phase 1 funding (up to €50,000), 11 Phase 2 funding (up to €150,000), and 3 Phase 3 funding (up to €500,000). The program allows projects to advance to later phases with increased funding once they reach specific development goals and have been evaluated by the assessment committee.