European knowledge base for researchers and industry
Nanomaterials developed for medical application are of broad range. Due to the complex nature of different nanomaterials, their characterization is often proven to be extensive and obscure for developers. However, to respond to the requirements of the regulatory agencies before new nanomaterials get approved, the extensive characterization of the nanomaterial is needed. To achieve this, the EUNCL was established as a decentralised institution composed of multiple European key reference centers combining diverse core competences in one unique service center.
The EUNCL has a strong partnership with the USNCL which was founded in 2004 by the NCI (National Cancer Institute, Frederick, USA) to accelerate development of promising nanotech therapies and diagnostics. Based on this expertise the EUNCL developed an "Assay cascade" for new nanomaterials which covers the physical and chemical characterization (PCC) as well as in vitro and in vivo biological properties. This set of assays allows a full characterization for nanomaterials free-of-charge.
The aim of EUNCL is to provide state-of-the-art pre-clinical characterization of innovative nanomaterials in order to accelerate their development towards the regulatory approval by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the national agencies. Additionally, product developers (public laboratories, spin-offs and SMEs) are guided through this process by the efficient management team unifying expertise from internal and external experts. As a result, the EUNCL serve as a European resource and knowledge base for researchers and industry to guide and facilitate the regulatory review of new nanomaterials, which will accelerate the transition of innovative nanomaterials into medical applications.
European Nanomedicine Characterisation Laboratory (EUNCL)