This ANR MRSEI PEPTIMPULSE (Advanced functional polypeptide, pseudo-polypeptide and protein-based materials) aims at setting up an Innovative Training Network (ITN) programme, to be submitted to the H2020 Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions (MSCA) call (H2020-MSCA-ITN-2020 European Training Network). The ITN PEPTIMPULSE will train a new generation of multidisciplinary experts in materials science capable of managing the effective translation of macromolecular innovations into ready-to-use applicable biomaterial solutions. Within the proposed PEPTIMPULSE framework, a new generation of PhD students will develop a broad know-how about amino acid-based biomaterials development, from bench to industries, especially focusing on cosmetic and pharmaceutical ones, following a safety-by-design preparation and processing, as well as corresponding technological and regulatory aspects. These scientists will develop unique cross-disciplinary skills in polymer (bio)chemistry, soft matter engineering, pharmacology, cosmetology and biomaterial sciences under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliance allowing them to develop effective, safe and efficient biomaterials of the future. The timeliness and relevance of this project are in line with the priorities of the research and training policy of Europe, as attested by the coherence with the current sectorial policies, such as OECD policies (Chemical safety and Biosafety) and EU policies (Public health and Research and Innovation).

Novel therapeutic strategies targeting pathways involved in cardiovascular disease progression and their metabolic, renal and neuropsychiatric comorbidities are urgently needed. Comorbidity is associated with worse health outcomes, more complex clinical management, and increased health care costs and the number of comorbid diseases increases with age and up to 80% in people of ages 80 and older present comorbidities. Targeting common mechanisms in comorbidities is identified by EU in several H2020 calls. Proposing an ETN to develop a European training project focused on comorbidities and particularly on one common and targetable underlying mechanism is therefore timely. We therefore identified a need to develop an integrative training network for a new “population” of researchers who will be the Future of the field, and will diffuse outside both in academic, small industry and big pharmas. The general scientific hypothesis of the ADMIRE-CO ETN is based on the following concept: Aldosterone/MR is a common causative/synergistic mechanism and a therapeutic target of various comorbidities leading to end-organ damages. The training will mainly focus on the combination and interaction of metabolic, neuropsychiatric, cardiovascular and renal comorbidities. The pathways that will be extensively analyzed include inflammation, epigenetics, fibrosis, gender and aging. The ETN will allow Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) to develop an integrated approach with one or more comorbidities affecting one or more of these pathways. Therefore the skills, tools and expertise will be present within the network and will provide an excellent training to the participating ESRs. The implication of a big pharma company appeared crucial for some of the training capacity and outcomes of the ETN, as well as success at ETN H2020 selection. The objectives of this ETN are therefore to 1) Develop a community of young researchers with common training bases for the future 2) Develop experimental/clinical based training for efficient research and clinical trials in the future and rapid and powerful development of newt therapeutics/tools/device in the field 3) Increase understanding of the mechanisms involved in comorbidities, leading to increase end-organ damages 4) Develop spirit of entrepreneurship in young researchers by training either in industry or in projects done in partnership with industry There is currently no specific training program developed in the field of aldo/MR or comorbidities in Europe. This ETN will be built on the previous very successful COST ADMIRE network that allowed strengthening the European aldo/MR community, from basic to clinical perspectives. Some of the partners involved in this pre-existing COST ADMIRE network with be joined by external partners who will share specific expertise (inflammation, microbiota, etc) as well as tools and training opportunities that are complementary to those already present in the selected COST ADMIRE partners. To date, we identified the core partners of the future network that should be implemented to add novel training expertise (in microbiota inflammation, genetic for example), therefore providing a strong added value as compared to the current training expertise already existing among the partners. About 10 other potential partners have been identified and will provide crucial training expertise in phenotyping of preclinical animal models and translational research.