Start of the new Horizon Europe project – NAP4DIVE

Betthera s.r.o. joins European consortium of NAP4DIVE which aims to revolutionize drug development for central nervous system (CNS) diseases by creating advanced non-animal models to test and predict nanoparticle-based drug delivery across the human blood-brain barrier (BBB). This initiative aligns with EU and global efforts to reduce animal testing and promote human-centered biomedical research. The project will develop two complementary tools: a high-throughput BBB-on-Chip platform and a machine-learning-based in silico model called the “NP Design Simulator.” Additionally, a digital repository named the “NP Design Library” will compile nanoparticle characterization data specialized for BBB delivery.

The NP Design Simulator will screen thousands of nanoparticle designs to identify the most promising candidates, which will then be tested in vitro using the BBB-on-Chip platform with real-time barrier integrity measurements. These tools aim to reduce animal use in CNS drug development by up to 95% and cut costs by 30%. By identifying effective nanoparticles for drug delivery across the BBB, NAP4DIVE addresses a critical healthcare challenge.

The project also includes a comprehensive health technology assessment to demonstrate the market readiness and cost-effectiveness of these tools, along with ethical assessments and engagement with regulators to promote broader adoption of non-animal alternatives in preclinical testing – this will be role of Betthera.