[LifeStyle] A food supplement to prevent Covid-19 in cancer patients

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The trial, led by researchers from the Community of Madrid, uses a compound that inhibits metabolic pathways associated with tumor growth and strengthens the patient's immune system

Researchers from the Community of Madrid are leading a clinical trial to test a nutritional formula that prevents infection by coronavirus and other pathogens in cancer patients, as reported by the regional government in a statement. Thus, he has indicated that the study would especially benefit people with cancer since, due to the characteristics of antitumor treatments and their own hospital exposure, they have a high risk of contracting Covid-19, as well as developing infections and medical complications .

The trial is led by two researchers from the IMDEA Food Institute; the director of the Precision Nutrition and Cancer Program, Ana Ramírez de Molina, and the director of IMDEA Food and professor of Food Science and Technology at the Autonomous University of Madrid, Guillermo Reglero. The team also includes the Medical Oncology service of the Infanta Sofía University Hospital, headed by Enrique Casado.

The formula, which has been patented around the world, is to be marketed under the brand name 'LIPCHRONIC'. It is a precision food supplement developed in the field of molecular nutrition, composed of a supercritical rosemary extract in concentrations authorized by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and a bioactive carrier lipid that enhances its effect, they have specified. In this way, the compound inhibits metabolic pathways associated with tumor growth and strengthens the patient's immune system.

In the first phase, IMDEA Food, through its GENYAL clinical trial platform, carried out a nutritional intervention study to investigate the biological and molecular effects of this supplement, and after validating its efficiency and safety, this trial has been started with the primary objective of preventing or attenuating coronavirus infection, as well as other diseases, thanks to the effects of this nutritional supplement on immunity, inflammation and lipid metabolism.

The team of researchers that has developed the formula is made up of members of the Molecular Oncology Group of the IMDEA Food Institute, members of the Bioactive Lipids team of the Autonomous University of Madrid and the Medical Oncology Service of the Infanta Sofía University Hospital.

In this way, it is expected that, with the results of this study, new therapeutic avenues will be opened for other diseases, since the effect of the compound as an enhancer of the immune system suggests activity in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, type I diabetes or psoriasis.

The IMDEA Institutes are research centers of excellence located in the Community of Madrid. They were established between 2006 and 2007 at the initiative of the regional government as independent foundations. They focus on seven strategic areas: water, food, energy, materials, nanoscience, networks and software.

 

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In parallel, and within the framework of the 'ALIBIRD2020-CM' project financed by the Community of Madrid of which these three research groups are part together with other groups and hospitals in the Community, the telecommunication platform 'eHealth' is being developed, which will be available on the app and on the web, for the monitoring of cancer patients and will be operational by the end of this year.

As specified by the regional government, this platform allows two-way patient-doctor communication that will help patients to resolve doubts that arise during the treatment process, as well as medical professionals to identify and improve symptoms quickly and continuously to better monitor and treat the patient.

The 'eHealth' platform is intended to be applied in the clinical trial for greater personalization in the follow-up of these patients. It is based not only on the patient's medical history, but also on genetic, nutritional and lifestyle factors, which will help establish personalized recommendations.