CarboHyde CEO Tamas Sohajda recently delivered a compelling presentation at the CPHI North America conference, focusing on innovative applications of cyclodextrins in the pharmaceutical industry. His talk highlighted how these unique cyclic oligosaccharides can enhance drug delivery, improve solubility, and stabilize formulations, offering significant benefits to pharmaceutical development.
Cyclodextrins, known for their ability to form inclusion complexes with various molecules, have been extensively studied for their potential to revolutionize drug formulations. Sohajda’s presentation delved into recent advancements and case studies demonstrating the successful integration of cyclodextrins in new drug delivery systems. These developments promise to improve the efficacy and safety of numerous medications, addressing longstanding challenges in drug formulation and bioavailability.
The talk received considerable attention from industry professionals, underscoring CarboHyde’s leading role in pioneering the use of cyclodextrins for pharmaceutical innovation. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with Sohajda, discussing cyclodextrin research’s practical applications and future directions.
A video of the event is available on CPHI website – after a registration – for those who missed the presentation or wish to revisit the insights shared.
Last week between 10-14 June, the cream of cyclodextrin science gathered in Dunkerque, France to share their knowledge and most recent scientific results during the 21st International Cyclodextrin Symposium.
The conference started with a social tour, visiting nearby sights on the seashore and harbor and spending a wonderful lunch together. We concluded the first-day networking with a welcome party at the Town Hall.
During the event, we could enjoy 81 oral presentations spread across a 3 and half-day scientific fiesta. 166 participants from all around the world (75% Europe, 15% Asia, 10% America) exchanged ideas and initiated collaborations. The most well-represented countries were France, Italy, and Hungary (:P).
During the breaks, we could enjoy bites from French cuisine and discuss further science through the 56 presented posters.
Caitriona O’Driscoll from UCC giving her keynote
The 1st day was topped by a huge Dunkerque beer&cheese carnival, one of the most memorable social events of all time, while the 2nd one with a wonderful Gala dinner at the stunning nearby aquarium.
Bicyclos team at the Dunkerque Carnival
CarboHyde was represented by two members, Daniel Bisericaru and Tamas Sohajda, and presented a talk about the status, future and dilemmas of developing cyclodextrin-based active ingredients. Further collaborations of the company were dominated by sharing the results of two EU-funded projects: GENEGUT & Bicyclos HEurope.
Several awards were presented during the Symposium:
the prestigious Szejtli award went to Sophie Beeren for her groundbreaking work on novel enzymatic methods to create cyclodextrins
the best poster award to Ana Francisca Soares from Genegut on CD-based gene delivery
the best flash presentation to Martina Dragone discussing peptide-CD interactions
the best oral presentation to Clara Testard presenting high-level cyclodextrin synthesis
The conference was concluded by sharing future events where professionals can meet again:
Francesco Trotta will organize a CD Summer school in June, 2025 in Geneva, mainly for students
The next EUROCD will be held in Milano, September, 2025 as shown by Andrea Mele
Keiichi Motoyama invited attendees to Kyoto for the next Asian CD conference to be held in November, 2025.
We are extremely proud to share that our formulation expert, Balázs Attila Kondoros yesterday, successfully defended on PhD thesis (dealing with green, solvent-free) technologies for making cyclodextrin complexes at the University of Szeged mentored by Rita Ambrus and Ildiko Csoka.
Huge congratilations Balázs for the career milestone, we are honored to have you on the CarboHyde team!
We are thrilled to express our gratitude for the recent visit from a group of bright students from University of Strasbourg to Carbohyde. The enthusiasm and curiosity displayed by the students were truly inspiring.
During their visit, the students engaged in meaningful discussions, asking insightful questions about our research and development activities. It was a pleasure to witness their passion for science and witness the curiosity that drives the next generation of scientists.
At Carbohyde, we are committed to fostering an environment that encourages learning and collaboration. Hosting such dynamic groups of students aligns with our mission to inspire and contribute to the future of pharmaceutical research. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the students from Strasbourg for their keen interest and look forward to more opportunities to share our knowledge and experiences with the scientific community.
In the past few years, we have created dozens of educational materials on various uses of cyclodextrin, such as complex preparation, monoclonal antibody formulation, uses in vaccines, gene therapy, and various non-pharma applications.
We collected these decks for you in two easy-to-digest platforms.
We are thrilled to share that our team has grown with two bright talents.
Daniel Bisericaru joined us after a few months of internship (through Università degli Studi di Torino) in the chemistry lab, has experience in the field of chemistry, synthesis and characterization of cyclodextrins and CD-based nanosponge complexes for drug delivery. Dani is a a Red Cross Volunteer, interested in the gym and applying science in it, loves travelling, food and manga.
Balázs Attila Kondoros is a formulation scientist with fresh PhD from University of Szeged in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Balázs has experience in designing and characterizing cyclodextrin formulations and interest in pharmaceutical technology. He enjoys swimming, playing video and board games.
Welcome guys, you make our team more colorful and more powerful!
CarboHyde, a pharmaceutical company specializing in carbohydrate chemistry and innovative carbohydrate applications, today announced the appointment of its new CEO Tamas Sohajda, replacing the founder and former CEO, József Tóth. The reasons for the decision are captured in József’s personal memorandum below.
Dear colleagues, friends, and valued partners,
Today, I am writing to share an important announcement that marks a significant turning point in my life’s journey. After an incredible adventure at the helm of our beloved biotech startup CarboHyde, I have made the decision to retire from my role as CEO. I am stepping down from this position but will stay in the company as Chief Medical Officer.
It has become clear that dedicating myself both to a full-time consultant position at Semmelweis University and, meanwhile, leading CarboHyde is simply not feasible at the same time, as the expansion and development of the company demand an increasing amount of time, effort, and focus. As a result, I have come to the difficult decision to retire from my position as CEO in order to ensure that the company continues to thrive and reach its full potential under new leadership.
Words cannot express the deep gratitude and immense pride I feel as I reflect upon the extraordinary experiences we have shared throughout this incredible voyage. It has been an honor and a privilege to work alongside such remarkable individuals who have inspired me every single day.
Additionally, I would like to take a moment to express my utmost confidence in the capabilities of our incoming CEO. Tamás Sohajda, a brilliant and accomplished leader, will undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective and a wealth of expertise to guide our company into its next phase of growth. I have had the pleasure of working closely with Tamás and have witnessed firsthand his exceptional leadership qualities and strategic acumen. His deep understanding of the biotech industry, combined with his visionary thinking, will be invaluable assets as we steer CarboHyde toward new horizons. I have no doubt that Tamás will continue to drive our company towards even greater success.
In conclusion, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you.
Dr. Chris Kevil’s laboratory at LSU Health Shreveport (LSUHS) has discovered that a clinically approved cyclodextrin-based drug called Sugammadex can act as a hydrogen sulfide donor that restores vasoactive hydrogen. This innovation has already gone through initial in vivo testing with promising results.
To take the next leap in development, LSUHS and CarboHyde will start a multiple-staged collaboration project to assess the effects of various cyclodextrins as potential hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donors in methamphetamine-mediated vascular diseases and for various other cardiovascular diseases. Methamphetamine users face a significantly higher risk for cardiovascular disorders, according to a major study published by the Journal of the American Heart Association earlier this year. The Kevil lab has also recently published that chronic methamphetamine use causes cardiovascular dysfunction due to reduced hydrogen sulfide. This poses an additional threat and possible treatment approach for those who use or have already stopped using meth.
LSU Health Shreveport and the Kevil laboratory will focus on comparing the effects of different cyclodextrin derivatives in blood sulfide levels and test the compounds in vitro and in different animal models. CarboHyde’s expertise will be used to select and customize this project’s best-working cyclodextrin derivatives.
“This is exactly the type of research our minds are formed around. We simply admire innovative ideas and out-of-the-box applications of cyclodextrins and other carbohydrates. We keep looking for opportunities to add our knowledge to drive such studies forward. I am sure our collaboration with LSU Health Shreveport and Dr. Kevil will be mutually rewarding and may open novel insights in the application of cyclodextrins in cardiovascular diseases,” said CarboHyde’s CEO József Tóth about this upcoming collaboration.
“Collaboration with carbohydrate expertise at CarboHyde represents a unique opportunity to develop innovative molecules and modalities to treat methamphetamine and other cardiovascular diseases, said Dr. Chris Kevil.
ABOUT CARBOHYDE
CarboHyde is a private preclinical pharmaceutical start-up company specializing in the development of carbohydrate-based APIs. Our team consists of a small group of seasoned scientists with over 50 years of cumulative experience in the field of carbohydrate chemistry, analysis and pharmaceutical development. The company’s core focus is neurodegenerative diseases, yet we also have other pre-clinical programs in various unmet medical indications. Fully embracing the pharmaceutical development ecosystem, we utilize contract research organizations (CRO) and other companies focusing on CMC and clinical development to make our drug development process efficient. CarboHyde’s management team has extensive experience in medicinal chemistry, marketing, and pharmaceutical development. In addition, CarboHyde is supported by experienced advisers, consultants, and carbohydrate veterans.
ABOUT LSU HEALTH SHREVEPORT LSU Health Shreveport (LSUHS) is one of two health sciences centers of the Louisiana State University (LSU) System and home to one of only 155 medical schools in the nation accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). The primary mission of LSUHS is to teach, heal, and discover in order to advance the well-being of the state, region and beyond. LSU Health Shreveport encompasses the School of Medicine, School of Graduate Studies and School of Allied Health Professions, Graduate Medical Education (GME), and a robust research enterprise. More than 1,000 students are enrolled in degree programs at any one time, and nearly 600 residents and fellows are enrolled in LSUHS training programs while treating patients at participating sites (hospitals and clinics) throughout north Louisiana. At the heart of LSU Health Shreveport is a strong faculty that includes a number of nationally and internationally acclaimed physicians and scientists. More than 600 strong, they lead research efforts, educate students, train residents and fellows, and provide primary and specialty care to patients throughout the region. Research is a core aspect of our institution’s mission and values, and LSU Health Shreveport and is committed to fostering collaboration and discovery to advance the knowledge and practice of science and medicine. Faculty, staff and students are actively engaged in research across a variety of biomedical areas that ranges from traditional basic science research in the lab to translational research and testing of new treatment and prevention methods in clinical trials. LSU Health Shreveport is home to six research centers, four of which are designated Centers of Research Excellence by the Louisiana Board of Regents, that concentrate on public healthcare needs of the state and region, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, virology, immunology, neuroscience, and addiction. LSU Health Shreveport has established strong community support and is committed to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion that promotes mutual respect for all. For more information, visit www.lsuhs.edu
GENEGUT, a research project funded by Horizon Europe, is to develop the first oral RNA-based therapy for ileal Crohn’s Disease (CD) – a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestine. The work is set to start on 1st October 2022 and last for four years. The consortium is made up of nine partners from eight European countries, who are all leading experts in their field. CarboHyde will play a crucial role by kick-starting the project by developing custom-made cyclodextrin derivatives, which will help to deliver their RNA cargo to the small intestine.
Addressing the major medical need of Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease (CD), one of the two major disorders under the umbrella term of IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), is a highly prevalent and high-burden chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). With up to 3 million people affected in Europe alone, the chronic disease has an accelerating incidence – leading to health costs of over 5 billion euros per year. Most significantly, however, there is no satisfactory treatment.
Role of CarboHyde
The challenging task of CarboHyde will be synthesizing amphiphilic cyclodextrins, which will be used to formulate nanoparticles containing the RNA cargo. CarboHyde will synthesize a library of amphiphilic cyclodextrins, including ones with different excipients, like polyethylene glycol or lipids. Chemically different variations of these excipients will be studied to select the best-performing ones. Nanoparticle formulations with the best working amphiphilic cyclodextrins will be tested to withstand the intestinal environment in different in vivo and in vitro models.
CarboHyde hired a Ph.D. student, Kristof Felegyi, to help the project progress.
Bringing together a multidisciplinary, European network
The expertise required to achieve this ambitious aim is as diverse as the nine partners from eight European countries that will collaborate in GENEGUT.
The project, coordinated by the School of Pharmacy of University College Cork, brings together the European Federation of Crohn’s & Ulcerative Colitis Associations with renowned researchers, expert clinical scientists, SMEs, and large pharma companies with expertise and patented technologies in global proteomics, nanotechnologies, cyclodextrin synthesis, multicellular models, drug delivery systems and production as well as innovation management, stakeholder involvement, and science communication.
A library of novel biomaterials will be synthesized and used to formulate nanoparticles containing therapeutic RNA (siRNA and mRNA). A quality-by-design approach will be applied to develop the nanoparticles for filling into capsules. The resulting nanoparticles will be assessed for safety and efficacy, including the mechanism of action, in a range of advanced in vitro and in vivo models of intestinal inflammation. The clinician, with expertise in diagnosing and treating CD patients based in UCC, will support and guide the overall project ensuring clinical relevance and providing advice on coherent plans for early clinical trials and regulatory submission, thus enabling rapid availability for patients.
Follow the progress of GENEGUT at www.genegut.eu and on Twitter and LinkedIn @GENEGUT_EU to learn about the project’s steps toward a better cure for Crohn’s Disease.
Network
University College Cork, Ireland
Bangor University, United Kingdom
Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, Portugal
