ICB

Epitech

Host companies

Epitech

Epitech Group SpA is a biological pharmacology company founded in 2001 by experts in the sector who, starting from significant experience in the field of lipid chemistry, have focused their activities on the identification, characterization and validation of new pharmacological modulation mechanisms and in order to produce innovative therapeutic systems capable of preventing or slowing down the neuroinflammatory processes associated with chronic diseases. The products developed by Epitech are based on natural active ingredients belonging to the Aliamides family (Autacoid Local Inflammatory Antagonist Amide) or N-acylethanolamines (NAE). These are natural molecules, poorly soluble in water, however they can be suitably processed to reduce their particle size and make them more soluble and easily absorbed by the body. Epitech's main therapeutic products are based on the use of ultra-micronized PEA (PEA-µm) or active ingredients capable of increasing endogenous levels of PEA.

The interest in intensifying studies and research aimed at the characterization of NAEs and derivatives together with the aim of defining the protective role that these molecules could potentially play for our health in oreder to develop innovative products capable of slowing down the development and/or progression of pathologies of enormous social interest such as chronic diseases have lead to a fruitful research collaboration between the Institute and the company Epitech Group SpA. Epitech, with the support of the ICB-CNR, in recent years has been able to develop and/or participate in various R&D projects subject to major financial subsidies in the context of National and Regional Operational Programs. Among them, Epitech and ICB have developed/participated in the following projects:

  • PON01_02512: Research and developement of bioregulators active on epigenetic mechanisms of inflammatory processes in chronic and degenerative diseases, carried out in the period 2011-2015.
  • POR TIMING: Innovative Therapies of Chronic Inflammatory, Metabolic, Neoplastic and Geriatric Diseases, carried out in the period August 2013-2015.
  • PON I&C MISE: Technological development of products active on the CNS through the regulation of the microbiota-endocannabinoid system axis, started in June 2020 and still ongoing

The results of the R&D projects have been the subject of numerous publications in international scientific journals and patents.

 

The R&D activity of Epitech Group is based on a network system able to create highly effective functional connections between its internal structures and the public Research Groups of absolute excellence operating in sectors strategically selected. This intensive R&D cooperation started in the early 90s when, together with the research group of a prominent Italian scientist and Nobel Prize for Medicine, Rita Levi Montalcini, it has been clarified and understood the importance of a modulatory intervention on the non-neuronal cells (Mast cell, Microglia and Astrocyte) with the aim of attenuate Neuroinflammation, Pain and Neurodegeneration determined by various diseases. Professor Montalcini guessed, and confirmed, the biological mechanism regulating non-neuronal cells, that she coined ALIA (Autacoid Local Injury Antagonism)1. Following this extraordinary insight, it was discovered, by our research laboratories, the regulatory function of Palmitoylethanolamide (endogenous lipid), exerted at first on the Mast cell and later on, with the contribution of International Researchers, on Microglia and on Astrocyte2,3. Then, on a clinical level, arose the need to render the Palmitoylethanolamide active, thus absorbable. This lipophilic compound in its naive physical state (post-production) exhibits particle dimensions too large (from 2000 µm to 50 µm) to guarantee the physiological gastroenteric absorption, therefore its activity on non-neuronal cells. This has been overcome. The reduction of the Palmitoylethanolamide particle size is possible through the patented technological advancement of the micronization process, developed by our Research Laboratories. Micronization allows to reduce the size up to 1000 times more and to produce two active and highly safe formulations of Palmitoylethanolamide4:

  • Micronized PALMITOYLETHANOLAMIDE (PEA-m: particle size range 2 ± 6 micron) allows an optimal gastroenteric absorption and reaches with efficacious concentration the hyper-reactive mast cell.
  • Ultra-micronized PALMITOILETANOLAMIDE (PEA-um: particle size range 0,8 ± 2 micron) capable to go across both intestinal mucosa and Blood-spinal cord and Brain barriers reaching with efficacious concentration Microglia and Astrocyte.
Legal Headquarters

Via Egadi, 7
20144 Milano Italy
PI/CF: 03630550287

Operational Headquarters

Via L. Einaudi, 13
35030 Saccolongo (PD) Italy

Via Meucci, 2
35030 Saccolongo (PD) Italy

Via F. Stagno d’Alcontres, 31
98166 Messina (ME) Italy

Via Campi Flegrei, 34
80078 Pozzuoli (NA) Italy

Phone and Email address

Phone: 049 8016784
Fax: 049 8016759
Customer service: customers-service@epitech.it
Info: info@epitech.it