Three ERC Proof of Concept Grants for Helmholtz Munich

Here are the winning projects in detail:

FERADICATE: Harnessing Ferroptosis to Combat Aggressive Cancer

The research initiative led by Prof. Marcus Conrad, FERADICATE, is a new approach to treating some of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant cancers. These cancers often carry a poor prognosis and tend to relapse even after targeted therapies. At the heart of FERADICATE is ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death that cancer cells typically evade. By targeting a key protein known as FSP1, Conrad and his team aim to push cancer cells into this self-destruction process. The team is currently advancing a new class of FSP1 inhibitors, with a focus on improving their selectivity, efficacy, and suitability for oral use. The goal is to offer new hope to patients who currently have limited options. If successful, FERADICATE could pave the way for clinical trials and future partnerships, offering a promising new weapon in the fight against some of the most challenging cancers.

CellCourier: Programmable Drug Delivery  

In the CellCourier project, Prof. Fabian Theis and his team are integrating single-cell genomics, advanced computational models, and generative AI to address one of the biggest challenges in drug therapy, namely precise targeting. The aim is to precisely program drug delivery via combinatorial cell targeting and generative design of tailored binding peptides. By leveraging data from the Human Cell Atlas and AI models like Nicheformer and Prophet, the researchers generate “surface codes” – molecular maps that guide these binding peptides. Initially, CellCourier will focus on lung diseases such as COPD, cystic fibrosis, and lung cancer. Alongside technical development, the team is prioritizing intellectual property strategies and exploring commercialization pathways. By enabling more precise delivery, CellCourier has the potential to reduce side effects and improve the safety of mRNA-based and other treatments, contributing to the future of more targeted and effective therapeutics. 

SAW2See: Single-Cell Analysis Using Acoustic Waves Traveling on Chip Surfaces

The SAW2See project, led by Prof. André C. Stiel, is rethinking single-cell diagnostics by moving away from bulky, costly optical systems. Instead, in collaboration with the Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Material Research, SAW2See uses point source optimized interdigital transducers (IDTs) directly integrated in microfluidic chips. These transducers detect optical absorption signatures via the photoacoustic effect. Such absorbance signatures can be valuable indicators for conditions such as red blood cell disorders or melanoma when using visible light, and potentially for detailed chemical fingerprinting in the infrared range. By combining mass-producible chips with compact laser diodes, the technology aims to enable high-throughput, cell-level analysis in a more affordable and scalable format. Next steps include technical refinement, benchmarking for diagnostic applications, and expanding into mid-infrared analysis. If successful, SAW2See could advance early and accessible diagnostics, particularly for point-of-care and decentralized healthcare settings.

Learn more about ERC Proof of Concept Grants: https://erc.europa.eu/apply-grant/proof-concept