International Network for Translating Research on Perinatal Derivatives into Therapeutic Approaches (SPRINT)
The International Network for Translating Research on Perinatal Derivatives into Therapeutic Approaches - SPRINT is a COST (Cooperation in Science and Technology) project that allows excellent researchers and clinicians in the field of innovation to cooperate and jointly develop their ideas in scientific and technology sectors. The SPRINT project, proposed and coordinated by Professor Ornella Parolini (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy), brings together experts in terms of academic, clinical, and industrial knowledge from over 25 international countries, in order to improve the basic understanding and the clinical translation of perinatal derivatives. In the last decade different perinatal derivatives (such as placenta-derived cells and the bioactive factors secreted by these cells), have proven to be therapeutically effective. This research field is growing rapidly and its importance is supported by recent clinical studies carried out in Europe and worldwide. SPRINT deals with different issues that need to be faced in order to ensure optimal research results and interpretation of clinical trial data. These include obtaining consensus for the nomenclature and for the optimal techniques for the isolation, characterization, cryopreservation, and expansion of perinatal derivatives. SPRINT also addresses more complex issues, such as the understanding of mechanisms and therapeutic actions of perinatal derivatives and the collection of basic research data useful for designing clinical trials. Furthermore, SPRINT helps to identify research gaps so as to guide future research on perinatal derivatives and streamline translation to the clinic. This project develops a platform for the exchange of ideas and methods and for the training of young researchers. The results obtained from this COST Action will increment the impact of the research on public and private decision-making bodies, on Patient Associations, and also on local communities.