The Obra Social la Caixa has selected a project of research of of the CIMA from the University of Navarra on diabetes to participate in the second edition of "Caixa Impulse". This program promotes the transformation of the scientific knowledge to transfer the results of the research in biotechnology and life sciences to products and / or companies that generate value in society.

Diabetes is a serious disease characterized by a lack of blood sugar control. This condition is often associated with other metabolic diseases such as fat accumulation in the liver. However, current treatments for diabetes focus only on glucose control and can be detrimental to liver disease. "At CIMA we have designed a fusion protein aimed at improving both glucose control and liver disease," explains Dr. Pedro Berraondo, manager of project.

Seventy-three projects from research centers, hospitals and Spanish universities were submitted to this call, from which 20 were selected, following criteria of quality of science, potential for transfer of assets and impact on society. "The program combines a process of training and advice with economic financial aid so that the work in the laboratories of CIMA can reach the patient," adds the researcher.

In its first edition, the "Caixa Impulse" program selected another project from CIMA, led by Dr. Julen Oyarzabal, which focuses on development of an effective drug for the treatment of severe bleeding.