INPACT approach

INPACT is focused in creating proof-of-concept. We aim to develop new generation drugs by producing chimeras that combine antitumoural, or antimicrobial, molecules with small domain antibodies and/or barrier-translocating chemical entities.

Schematic presentation of the INPACT methodological approach to design new drug leads that will enrich the portfolio of partner SMEs

Linear AMP and CPP sequences identified from viral proteins and selected following the application of bioinformatics tools and machine-learning will be stabilized by peptide engineering. Cyclic AMP will be examined for their ability to kill and/or inhibit the growth of bacteria in biofilms. Cyclic CPP will be chemically conjugated to anticancer small molecules (ACSM), small domain antibodies, or both. The chimeric drug leads will be tested in vitro against immortalised tumour cells and standard pharmacokinetic evaluations will be performed. Altogether this program involves a synergistic, multidisciplinary and dynamic approach entailing knowledge in chemistry, cell biology and microbiology.

The INPACT approach bridges fundamental peptide science with concrete therapeutic applications. By combining antitumoural or antimicrobial peptides with small domain antibodies and barrier-translocating chemical entities, researchers can create chimeric molecules that overcome longstanding delivery and specificity challenges. This methodological framework leverages computational tools and machine-learning to identify promising linear peptide sequences from viral proteins, which are then stabilised through peptide engineering. The result is a pipeline that transforms basic discoveries into viable drug leads, directly enriching the portfolio of partner SMEs while addressing critical needs in oncology and infectious disease treatment.

Central to the INPACT methodology is the seamless integration of interdisciplinary expertise across academic and industrial sectors. Beneficiaries and partners collaborate to refine peptide-based platforms, moving from initial sequence identification through to proof-of-concept validation. This exchange of knowledge, supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions framework, accelerates the transition from laboratory innovation to market-ready biopharmaceutical products. The approach emphasises rigorous training and dissemination, ensuring that advances in peptide engineering and drug development reach both the scientific community and the broader society, ultimately contributing to future clinical applications against cancer and pathogenic bacteria.