Researchers from GENyO and Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital explore synergies for collaboration with EBCT Agro DNA SpA.

During the meetings, progress was made in formalising scientific and technological collaboration agreements aimed at strengthening AGRO DNA SpA’s capabilities in the development and optimisation of its portable genetic identification systems. The partnership with GENYO, a leading centre for genomics applied to health formed by the Pfizer Genomic Centre, the University of Granada and the Andalusian Board of Genomics and Oncological Research, opens up new opportunities for transferring knowledge and technologies from the biomedical field to the agro-biotechnology field, thereby promoting innovation in both sectors.

The main areas of cooperation addressed during the meetings include the joint development of molecular diagnostic technologies applicable to both plant and human health, and research into the role of the microbiome in respiratory diseases such as asthma, COPD and other chronic lung conditions.

In addition, as part of the cooperation agenda, Dr Paola Durán, in her institutional role as director of innovation at UFRO, visited the facilities of the Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital (HUVN), where she was received by Dr Concepción Morales García, head of the Pulmonology Service and researcher at GENYO. During the visit, the Chilean delegation learned about the clinical trials area and the hospital’s respiratory research capabilities and technology, opening up real possibilities for applied collaborations in translational medicine and also projecting its extrapolation towards the development of diagnostics in plant health.

Furthermore, both parties expressed interest in exploring synergies in the development of innovative therapeutic tools based on nanobodies, single-chain antibodies derived from camelids. ‘This visit opens up a solid path for establishing structured scientific collaborations, both in ecological and translational research, with the aim of generating knowledge about how the microbiome conditions health at different levels,’ said Dr. Francisco Gabriel Ortega. Dr Paola Durán emphasised that “the Innovation Department, through the Technology Transfer Office (OTL), plays a strategic role in strengthening science and technology-based companies such as Agro DNA. Its work facilitates the articulation between research and technological development for the productive sector, promoting the protection of intangible assets and the effective transfer of knowledge.” AGRO DNA, for its part, is also evaluating, in future stages, adapting these strategies for the design of high-specificity biosensors in complex clinical samples. ‘The company seeks to provide applied solutions in human health, particularly in the areas of early diagnosis, pathogen detection and personalised medicine. This transition responds to a vision of diversifying our portfolio, where the validation of technologies in agriculture will act as a solid basis for their adaptation to new markets,’ says Dr Rodriguez.

This meeting represents a firm step towards the internationalisation of Agro DNA SpA. and its consolidation as a major player in diagnostic biotechnology, with a cross-cutting approach that connects human health, plant health and frontier technology.