iPSC-derived cell therapy for COPD and IPF: experimental partners for EIC Pathfinder Open

Neshima Medical is preparing an EIC Pathfinder Open project using LiFT™ (Liquid Foam Therapy) to deliver iPSC-derived alveolar type 2 (AT2) and endothelial cells for lung regeneration in COPD and IPF. The project aims to restore alveolar epithelial and vascular function and investigate lung repair.

WHAT WE OFFER

LiFT is a pulmonary-delivery platform using shear-thinning liquid foam to carry therapeutics through narrowed or obstructed airways into distal lung regions. Our device generates the foam, incorporates the cells and delivers the mixture through a thin catheter under controlled pressure. We bring delivery technology, foam formulation, fluid mechanics, device engineering and preclinical experimental capabilities.

PARTNERS SOUGHT

We seek research institutes, academic groups, biotechnology companies and experimental facilities able to take responsibility for substantial project work, particularly:

- Elastase-induced emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis models, with experience administering and evaluating human cell therapies.

- Lung-function measurements, quantitative histopathology, donor-cell tracking, engraftment, biodistribution and regenerative outcomes.

- iPSC-derived AT2 and endothelial cells, cell characterization, potency assays, culture, manufacturing and scale-up.

- Human lung models, organoids, lung-on-chip systems, ex vivo lungs and large-animal pulmonary delivery.

Experimental facilities and service providers participating as consortium partners are a high priority. A facility combining an established elastase-induced emphysema model with cell-therapy experience would be especially valuable.

Our starting team spans Israel and Belgium, so we particularly seek a partner in a third eligible country to complete the consortium's geographic requirements. We also welcome complementary partners from Israel and Belgium.

We welcome discussions to define scientific roles, experimental responsibilities and a joint work plan for EIC Pathfinder Open.