The Chilean Commission for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICYT) through its Scientific and Technological Development Program (FONDEF) awarded a joint research grant to Andes Biotechnologies, Fundación Ciencia & Vida and Fundación Arturo López Pérez to enable discipline-leading research that aims to develop a targeted therapy against cervix cancer.

Cervix cancer represents 10% of all malignant neoplasms diagnosed in women and is the second leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. In Chile cervix cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women constituting a major public health problem. This joint project aims to develop an experimental antisense therapy targeted against tumor cells of cervix cancer. Antisense therapy is based on the use of a composition of antisense oligonucleotides complementary to non-coding mitochondrial RNAs that selectively induce the death of malignant cells. This experimental treatment will be evaluated both in vitro and at the pre-clinical level, using a cervix cancer xenograft mouse model. The project is expected to run for a period of 3 years with a total funding of ~ USD $1.000.000. Research and Clinical experts from both, Fundación Ciencia & Vida and Fundación Arturo Lopez Perez, respectively will also collaborate to ensure the highest quality research and clinical application of this proof of concept therapy is achieved.

About Fundación Ciencia & Vida (FCV)
Founded in 1997 as a non-profit organization, Fundación acts as a bridge between the productive and academic sectors in Chile and with international partners abroad. Fundación's R&D programs enjoy a leading position in the biotechnology sector both, in Chile and abroad. Its world-class research, its commitment to effective training of human resources in science and its productive connections with international research groups, has allowed FCV to become one of Chile's most innovative research centers in the life sciences arena.

About Fundación Arturo López Pérez (FALP)
Founded in 1955 as a non-profit organization, FALP is a leading Center of Excellence in Cancer, offering a comprehensive array of clinical, diagnostics, treatments, research and educational programs specifically focused on oncology.