PACMAN
The Research Task entitled “Personalized antibody-drug conjugates activated by matrix metalloproteinases for solid tumors” [PACMAN] will be conducted by Wrocław University of Science and Technology in a consortium with five Polish scientific units: the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw, the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw, the Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Wrocław, the University of Wrocław, and the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences.
The primary objective of the Research Task is to develop personalised antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) designed to enable precise and safe treatment of solid tumours. The project implements a “Trojan horse” strategy, which involves coupling a highly potent therapeutic compound with an antibody and delivering it directly into the tumour microenvironment, where it will be activated only by tumour‑specific enzymes. This approach aims to ensure strong anticancer efficacy while reducing the risk of damage to healthy tissues.
The technologies under development have the potential to deliver a major breakthrough in targeted therapies by increasing the safety of ADC‑based treatments, improving their selectivity, and enabling their broader clinical application. The project will be implemented from March 2, 2026 to June 30, 2030 and will involve nearly 100 scientists.
The total funding allocated for the project amounts to PLN 72,854,809.89.
The Key Personnel of the Research Team includes:
- Marcin Poręba, PhD, Eng. – Research Team Leader / Wrocław University of Science and Technology
- Bożena Cybulska‑Stopa, PhD / Wrocław University of Science and Technology
- Prof. Agnieszka Dobrzyń, PhD/ Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences
- Prof. Marcin Drąg, PhD / Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences
- Elżbieta Pajtasz‑Piasecka, PhD/ Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences
- Małgorzata Zakrzewska, PhD/ University of Wrocław