Project title: Development of new DNA array ("IBDChip") to predict clinical course, development of complications, and response to therapy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) 

Project start date: 1. 12. 2006
Project end date: 31. 5. 2010
Approved funds for VFN: EUR 170 500 (of which VFN co-financing: EUR 84 750)
Investigator: Prof. MUDr. Milan Lukáš, CSc., IV. Internal Clinic
Role of VFN in the project: partner

Project brief description:

The project consists in analyzing a large number of polymorphisms related to the onset, course (including the development of complications, the need for surgical treatment or the risk of colorectal cancer) and, in particular, the response to various therapeutic modalities. Genotypic analysis will then be compared with phenotypic characteristics in a group of 2-3 thousand patients monitored for idiopathic intestinal inflammation for at least 10 years in several EU countries. The aim is to create a technically and financially inexpensive and commonly used clinical examination, which will reduce the incidence of complications of idiopathic intestinal inflammation, reduce the adverse effects of treatment and thereby improve the quality of life of patients.

Project goal: Creation of a new method of genetic testing (so-called IBD chip), which will predict the clinical course and response to treatment in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Project Target Group: Patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Key project activities: In the first phase, a set of polymorphisms related to the development of IBD, its course and response to drug treatment was developed. Thereafter, a group of 2-3,000 patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis will develop in participating European centers for at least 10 years. In these patients, all available data on the course of their disease (so-called phenotyping) will be collected and a blood sample taken for DNA isolation. The following is a genetic analysis of selected polymorphisms in all individuals of the test group (genotyping). The key point is the subsequent analysis of phenotypic and genotypic data and their statistical processing. Another point of the project is a prospective study of patients treated with biological therapy (infliximab, adalimumab), which will be assessed for efficacy and safety in relation to genotyping results. In parallel, the technical aspects of IBDChip production and its practical application are addressed.

Project outputs:

• Long-term prediction of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
• Prediction of the response of patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis to drug treatment
• Prediction of risks and side effects of treatment of idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease
• Choice of "optimal" treatment strategy to reduce the risk of complications and cost of treatment while ensuring the highest possible quality of life for patients

EU Framework Program is the main instrument supporting the creation of the European Research Area. Compared to previous framework programs, it has occurred in Framework Program significant changes, particularly in terms of size, focus and tools developed to implement the program. The main activities of FP6, which should involve a wide range of experts, are focused on the so-called Integrated Projects and Networks of Excellence. Emphasis is placed on involving SMEs in projects.

This project is co-financed by the 6th Framework Program.