Romanian National Node
Romania is involved in the ID-EPTRI project with the participation of “Romanian Angel Appeal Foundation” as co-leader of the work package “Communication, Networking and Patients Involvement”, and in the work packages of the “Governance and Sustainability” and “Context Analysis”.
Romanian respondent to the EPTRI WP3 surveys declared expertise in “Paediatric Medicines Formulations” in the development and optimization of paediatric dosage forms, and in “Paediatric Medical Devices”, especially with 3D-printed system.
On the 28th of February 2020, the EPTRI project received the official expression of support from the Rector of University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu”, Cluj-Napoca. Moreover, both “Romanian Angel Appeal Foundation” and University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu”, Cluj-Napoca have signed the Memorandum of Understanding to develop the EPTRI Infrastructure and organise the research institutes into a National Node (the Romanian Hub) to link the scientific community into EPTRI, which will be further developed soon.
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu”, Cluj-Napoca: At the Department of Paediatrics, the researchers have expertise in cardiology, vascular diseases, oncology, hepatology, immunology, genetics, nephrology, urology and rheumatology. They study paediatric development mechanism involved in oncology and immunology and perform research on anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies used mainly for diagnostic idiopathic juvenile arthritis. They also use MiRNA and immunological markers as biomarkers used as diagnostic and prognostic tools and to treat colorectal cancer. In oncology, they study hepatocellular carcinoma, acute myeloid leukaemia, and ganglioneuroblastoma. In the liver cancer, they are testing a new treatment based on microwave ablation. The researchers also study Kawasaki disease and acute kidney injury in paediatric population. In genetics, they perform study on gene variations and on their correlation with diseases as fatty-liver, obesity, bone metabolism. The researchers from the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, have expertise in patient friendly and paediatric drug formulations, mainly in orodispersible tablets and minitablets, thin films and oral lyophilisates. They use Quality by Design principles in drug development and have successfully implemented PAT monitoring methods in drug manufacturing industrial settings. They have worked with healthy volunteer panels for taste and palatability assessment and have developed a texture based instrumental method for the evaluation of palatability of orodispersible tablets. They were involved in many projects partnering other research institutions and drug manufacturing companies.
- Romanian Angel Appeal Foundation: They work to improve the quality of life of children and young people affected by chronic diseases and at risk of social exclusion. They fulfil this goal by offering medical, psychological, social and material support and through developing networks, training courses, research, campaigns and advocacy programs, in partnership with public authorities, private companies, non-governmental organizations and individuals. Their research program regard autism, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and child and family support.