MYLeukaemia Project

👩🔬 “Today’s science is tomorrow’s medicine for our kids.”   👧💡 What happens when organ-on-a-chip technology meets the curious minds of 4-year-olds in their classroom? Pure magic & inspiration. 👦🧪    🧑🔬 Hugo R. Caires, PhD, on behalf of MYLeukaemia Project, brought the lab to Colegio Espinheira Rio (CER), transforming their classroom into a space of discovery and imagination. Through hands-on activities and captivating stories, we showed these young dreamers what it’s like to be a scientist and how today’s breakthroughs in science will shape the medicine of their future.    💬 In the words of our project leader:  "Bringing science to children isn’t just about teaching—it’s about showing them a world of possibilities. Their curiosity and joy were the best reward we could ask for, and that is exactly what the world needs for a brighter future."   🌱 Indeed, inspiring young minds is planting seeds for a brighter future. Thank you, Colegio Espinheira Rio, for welcoming us into your classroom and making this moment unforgettable!    CER: https://lnkd.in/dhtfsVuX   #InspiringFuture #ScienceForKids #MYLeukaemia    -- PT --  👩🔬 “A ciência de hoje é a medicina de amanhã para as nossas crianças.”   👧💡 O que acontece quando a tecnologia de Organ-on-a-Chip encontra as mentes curiosas de crianças de 4 anos na sala de aula? Pura magia e inspiração. 👦🧪    🧑🔬✨ Hugo R. Caires, PhD do MYLeukaemia Project, trouxe o laboratório até ao Colégio Espinheira Rio (CER), transformando a sala de aula num espaço de descoberta e imaginação. Com atividades práticas e histórias cativantes, mostramos a estes jovens sonhadores como é ser cientista e como as inovações de hoje irão moldar a medicina do futuro.    💬 Nas palavras do nosso project leader:  "Levar a ciência às crianças não é apenas ensinar—é mostrar-lhes um mundo de possibilidades. A curiosidade e a alegria delas foram a melhor recompensa que podíamos desejar, e é exatamente isso que o mundo precisa para um futuro melhor."   🌱 Inspirar mentes jovens é plantar sementes para um futuro mais brilhante. Obrigado, Colégio Espinheira Rio, por nos receberem na vossa sala de aula e tornarem este momento inesquecível!   CER: https://lnkd.in/dhtfsVuX

🎉 We are beyond thrilled to share the MYLeukaemia Project winning flashback of the 3rd edition of the BIP Acceleration program by Universidade do Porto! 🚀 💡 Our innovative platform, developed by researchers at i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, is designed to create a lab-grown "avatar" of the human bone marrow. This breakthrough technology allows us to test and identify the most effective treatment for leukaemia patients, guiding therapy selection and personalizing cancer care. 🧬 ❤️ Thank you to the BIP Acceleration program and U.Porto Inovação and all our supporters for believing in our mission to revolutionize blood cancer treatment. Together, we are paving the way for a future where every leukaemia patient receives the best possible therapy. Follow our page and join us to make MYLeukaemia Project a standard care for those in need 💪 #InnovationForLife #BloodCancerResearch #BIPAcceleration #UPorto ** [PT] ** 🎉 Estamos entusiasmados em partilhar o flashback da vitória do MYLeukaemia Project na 3.ª edição do programa BIP Acceleration publicado pela Universidade do Porto! 🚀   💡 A nossa plataforma inovadora, desenvolvida por investigadores do i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, foi concebida para criar um "avatar" de medula óssea humana em laboratório. Esta tecnologia revolucionária permite-nos testar e identificar o tratamento mais eficaz para doentes com leucemia, orientando a seleção terapêutica e personalizando os cuidados oncológicos. 🧬   ❤️ Obrigado ao programa BIP Acceleration e à U.Porto Inovação e a todos os nossos followers por acreditarem na nossa missão de revolucionar o tratamento do cancro do sangue. Juntos, estamos a criar o caminho para um futuro onde cada paciente com leucemia recebe a melhor terapia possível. Sigam a nossa página e juntem-se a nós na jornada para tornar o MYLeukaemia Project o standard of care para quem precisa. 💪

🎉 Exciting News Everyone! We're thrilled to announce that MYLeukaemia Project has emerged as the 🏆 Winner of the BIP Acceleration 2024 ! Competing among some of the University of Porto brightest innovations out there, MYLeukaemia Project secured 🥇 1st place in this remarkable journey, reaffirming our commitment to revolutionizing blood cancer therapy guidance.   🚀 A Shoutout to Our Fellow Innovators: Congratulations to the other outstanding teams who made it to the Top 10! 🎊 From UPWIND to OCEAN-SLIM-G and visionary projects like AI4RETINA, BodyBoost, MineAI, ORIOOS, REGENIX, SafeBladder, and VineComputer—your groundbreaking ideas are reshaping the future of technology. You all made it no easy task for the jury, and we’re honoured to have shared this journey with such brilliant minds!   👏 Thank You to the BIP Acceleration Jury for the trust and recognition you've given us. We're honoured to have presented our vision to a panel of such experts: Raquel Gaião Silva (Faber), Raphael Stanzani (UPTEC - Science and Technology Park of University of Porto), and Rodrigo de Alvarenga (Porto Business School). Your insights, support and recognition are invaluable for us as we drive MYLeukaemia Project forward!   🤝 Last but not least to BIP's Organizers and Partners: U.Porto Inovação, in collaboration with Porto Business School, CGD, and UPTEC - Science and Technology Park of University of Porto, has created a remarkable platform for deep tech innovators like us. The learning, mentorship, and connections have been a game-changer!   🔗 Together, we’re building solutions that matter. Let's keep innovating, pushing boundaries, and making a difference! Because one way or another, Cancer Impacts Us All! #Innovation #DeepTech #HealthcareTransformation #BloodCancerAwareness #BIP

💡 Innovative MYLeukaemia Project Master Dissertation Delivered! 📚 After months of dedication, Manuel Mendes successfully defended the Master dissertation, titled "Exploring Organ-on-Chip Technology to Model Acute Myeloid Leukaemia Pathognomonic Alterations in an Engineered Bone Marrow System", as part of our groundbreaking Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT)-funded exploratory MYLeukaemia Project. Being supervised by Hugo R. Caires, PhD & Delfim Duarte from i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, naturally the work focused on the intricate world of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), demonstrating critical alterations in engineered bone marrow environments. 🔬 The findings? Remarkable similarities between the engineered Bone Marrow Avatar and its Human Leukemic Bone-Marrow counterpart. A step forward in personalized blood cancer therapy, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the next generation of ex vivo drug testing. 🙏 A heartfelt thank you to the president of the jury, Professor Doctor Maria da Conceição Rangel and the examiner, Professor Doctor Manuela Gomes from ICBAS- Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences, for their insightful questions and engaging discussion, which further elevated the scientific depth of our work. 🚀 What a journey it’s been Manuel Mendes! This is a major milestone in your career, and we couldn’t be prouder of the impact you’ve made. We hope your time with us has helped you grow as a scientist, and we can’t wait to see where your next adventure takes you. Best of luck! 🍀 #AcademicExcellence #CancerResearch #BloodCancer #AML #BoneMarrowAvatar #MYLeukaemia

🔥 Big News for MYLeukaemia Project! 🔥   🎉 We’re excited to share that MYLeukaemia Project has been selected as one of the Top 10 deeptech projects in the flagship BIP Acceleration Program by U.Porto Inovação!   💡 With support from CGD, Porto Business School, and UPTEC - Science and Technology Park of University of Porto, this program is the launchpad that takes us from lab research to real-world impact. It’s the bridge that turns breakthrough science into life-changing solutions—and it’s bringing us one step closer to the patients who need it most.   🚀 U.Porto Inovação & Porto Business School are playing a key role in turning Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) funded MYLeukaemia Project into more than just an exploratory project—it’s helping us build a startup that can change the way blood cancer is treated.   🩸 Stay tuned—this is just the beginning.   #MYLeukaemia #BIPAcceleration #UniversidadedoPorto #PortoBusinessSchool #BloodCancerSolutions

💛 As September ends, let's remember: childhood cancer doesn't stop for the calendar 💛 Throughout this month, we’ve witnessed inspiring campaigns for International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Several great initiatives, led by dedicated associations such as Fundação Rui Osório de Castro, Associação Acreditar, APCL Associação Portuguesa Contra a Leucemia, and many others are crucial in bringing the harsh realities of paediatric cancer into the spotlight. Their work gives a voice to families, offers support, and drives us all to do more. 👫 Blood cancers, particularly leukaemia and lymphomas, are the most common paediatric cancers in Europe. These aren't just medical terms—they represent the lives of thousands of children and their families, whose battles with these diseases are long and arduous. It’s a journey that no one should face alone. That’s where the relentless efforts of patient organizations come in: offering a lifeline of hope and community. 📊 As we wrap up this month of awareness, we’re proud to share key insights from the European Commission’s latest findings on childhood cancer. Attached to this post is important data from the European Commission that highlights the current state of paediatric cancer in Europe. These statistics aren’t just numbers—they’re a call to action. 🔬 At 🩸 MYLeukaemia Project, our mission is clear: to innovate. We are deeply committed to transforming research into personalized therapies, especially for blood cancers like leukaemia. Every day, we work towards solutions that can save lives—not just through new treatments, but by integrating them seamlessly into clinical practice. 🩸 September may be ending, but the fight against childhood cancer doesn’t stop here. Let’s carry forward the lessons, the awareness, and the urgency this month has given us. Source: https://lnkd.in/egQGESfr #ChildhoodCancerAwareness #BloodCancerResearch #MYLeukaemia #LeukemiaAdvocacy #PediatricCancer #ACREDITAR

🔔 Today is European Multiple Myeloma Day 🔔 🩸 Have you ever heard of multiple myeloma? For thousands of people across Europe, this blood cancer isn't just a diagnosis—it’s a life-altering challenge. While it may be rare, the impact is enormous, affecting bones, kidneys, and the immune system, forcing patients into battles they never expected to face. 📉 Here’s the reality: multiple myeloma accounts for 1% of all cancers globally, yet the awareness and options for patients often lag behind. In Europe, early detection and personalized therapies hold the key to better outcomes. But many patients are left with limited choices, hoping for breakthroughs that can come soon enough. Indeed, Myeloma is the second most common blood cancer, and despite incredible breakthroughs, it still doesn’t have a cure. 💡 At MYLeukaemia Project, we believe there’s a better way. Our mission is to revolutionize treatment selection. Using our cutting-edge ex vivo drug screening technology, we create a miniaturized bone marrow environment that will allow medical doctors to test therapies in real time—making it possible in the future to personalize treatments for each patient based on their unique response. 💬 On this European Multiple Myeloma Day, let’s spark a conversation. Awareness fuels action—and with more knowledge, we can push for better care, more research, and ultimately, brighter futures for those impacted by myeloma. Every step forward matters. #MultipleMyeloma #MYLeukaemia #EuropeanMyelomaDay 🔔 Hoje é o Dia Europeu do Mieloma Múltiplo 🔔 🩸 Já ouviu falar sobre o mieloma múltiplo? Para milhares de Europeus, este cancro do sangue não é apenas um diagnóstico—é um desafio que muda a vida. Embora seja raro, o impacto é enorme, afetando ossos, rins e o sistema imunológico, forçando os pacientes a enfrentarem batalhas inesperadas. 📉 Eis a realidade: o mieloma múltiplo representa 1% de todos os cancros no mundo, mas a conscientização e as opções para os pacientes muitas vezes ficam atrás. Na Europa, a detecção precoce e as terapias personalizadas são fundamentais para melhores resultados. No entanto, muitos pacientes enfrentam escolhas limitadas, esperando por avanços que muitas vezes demoram a chegar. O mieloma múltiplo é o segundo cancro do sangue mais comum e, apesar de avanços extraordinários, ainda não tem cura. 💡 Na MYLeukaemia, acreditamos que existe uma maneira melhor. A nossa missão é revolucionar o processo de decisão terapêutica. Utilizando nossa inovadora tecnologia de screening farmacológico ex vivo, criamos um ambiente de medula óssea em miniatura que permitirá no futuro aos médicos testar terapias em tempo real—personalizando os tratamentos de acordo com a resposta única de cada paciente. 💬 Neste Dia Europeu do Mieloma Múltiplo, vamos divulgar! Conscientização gera ação -e com mais conhecimento, podemos lutar por melhores cuidados, mais e melhor investigação e, finalmente, futuros melhores para aqueles afetados pelo mieloma. Partilhe!  

👏 Dar Voz àqueles que lutam diariamente com os Cancros do Sangue 👏   Estamos profundamente inspirados pelo extraordinário trabalho da APCL Associação Portuguesa Contra a Leucemia e pela sua poderosa campanha “O Sangue Que Há Em Mim”💬. Com o apoio da Johnson & Johnson e da 4 Elementos, esta iniciativa dá destaque às histórias reais das muitas pessoas com cancros do sangue, desafiando estereótipos e promovendo conversas abertas e genuínas durante este Setembro, mês de sensibilização para os cancros do sangue 🩸🧠.   Na MYLeukaemia Project, partilhamos esta missão de amplificar as vozes dos doentes 👩⚕️👨⚕️. A nossa investigação em screening farmacológico com tecnologia de Organ-on-a-Chip tem como objetivo no futuro ajudar os médicos a tomarem decisões terapêuticas mais personalizadas e eficazes para cada paciente com cancros do sangue 🎯🔬. Juntos, através das histórias reais destas pessoas e da tão necessária inovação cientifica, aspiramos a melhorar a jornada heroica destes pacientes rumo a um futuro sem cancros do sangue 🩸.   Grande iniciativa! Tiramos o chapéu à APCL Associação Portuguesa Contra a Leucemia, Johnson & Johnson e 4 Elementos mas acima de tudo àqueles que deram a voz a esta iniciativa 🇵🇹 Nacional ! 🎩👏   #SensibilizaçãoCancrosDoSangue #MYLeukaemia #PacienteEmPrimeiroLugar #InovaçãoEmSaúde   EN: 🇬🇧   👏 Shining a Light on Patient Voices 👏   We’re incredibly inspired by the fantastic work of *Associação Portuguesa Contra a Leucemia (APCL)* and their powerful campaign *“O Sangue Que Há Em Mim”* 💬. Launched with support from Johnson & Johnson and 4 Elementos, this initiative brings forward the voices of blood cancer patients, breaking down stereotypes and encouraging open, honest conversations during *Blood Cancer Awareness Month* 🩸🧠.   At MYLeukaemia, we share this passion for amplifying patient perspectives 👩⚕️👨⚕️. Our mission is to provide cutting-edge drug screening technology, empowering doctors to make personalized and more effective treatment decisions for blood cancer patients 🎯🔬. Together, through patient stories and innovative science, we aim for a brighter future without Blood Cancer. ✨.   Hats off to APCL, J&J, and 4 Elementos and specially to the amazing patients that give voice to this 🇵🇹 National initiative! 🎩👏   #BloodCancerAwareness #MYLeukaemia #PatientFirst #InnovationInHealthcare #CancerResearch

🩸 September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month! It's time to shed light on the three most common types of blood cancers affecting thousands of Europeans every year: Leukaemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma. You may not know it, but someone you love could be fighting this battle right now. Let’s take a take advantage of 🩸 MYLeukaemia Project to understand these diseases a little better.   🔬 LEUKAEMIA  Leukaemia is a cancer of the bone marrow and blood, accounting for about 107,748 new cases in Europe annually. It primarily affects the blood-forming tissues, leading to uncontrolled production of abnormal blood cells. Unfortunately, even with initial treatment success, around 40% of patients relapse. Treatments range from chemotherapy to bone marrow transplants.   🌿 LYMPHOMA  Lymphoma targets the lymphatic system, which helps protect the body from infection. In Europe, about 149,061 new cases are diagnosed each year. While survival rates have improved, particularly for Hodgkin lymphoma, therapies like chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are often required to control the disease, with relapse rates as high as 30% in some cases.   🦴 MULTIPLE MYELOMA Multiple Myeloma affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. Each year, roughly 50,092 people in Europe receive this diagnosis. The nature of myeloma makes it more difficult to cure, and treatments like proteasome inhibitors, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplants are often part of long-term management. Sadly, most patients will relapse, but continued innovations in treatment bring hope.   🎯 At MYLeukaemia Project, we are working to improve the lives of blood cancer patients by developing an ex vivo drug screening technology using organ-on-a-chip systems. This innovative platform creates humanized bone marrow avatars in the lab so that in the future we can offer doctors the opportunity to pre-test multiple therapeutic regimens on them and select the most effective therapies for each individual patient.   Let’s continue the conversation around blood cancer and support those in our communities affected by it. Awareness drives action, and action leads to progress! 💪 #BloodCancerAwarenessMonth #Leukemia #Lymphoma #Myeloma #CancerAwareness #HealthcareInnovation #MYLeukaemia

🚀 Exciting News! We are thrilled to announce that our MYLeukaemia Project’s work, titled "Development of a vascularized organ-on-a-chip for tracing AML emergence: from niche engineering to microfluidics integration," has been selected for presentation at the MAD-Nano24 Conference organized by Madeira Chemistry Research Centre - CQM - Centro de Química da Madeira! This marks an important milestone in our journey to revolutionize blood cancer treatment through advanced organ-on-a-chip technology and an opportunity to get to know Madeira’s scientific and Startup Madeira entrepreneurship ecosystem. 🎯 Why This Matters: Our work aims to push the boundaries of leukaemia research by recreating the intricate bone marrow environment where this devastating disease emerges. By integrating cutting-edge microfluidics and vascularized systems, we’re moving closer to providing clinicians with the tools they need to tailor therapies in a highly personalized, effective way. 📅 Save the Date! We’ll be showcasing this innovative research at the Universidade da Madeira, Auditorium of Jesuits' College, in Funchal, Portugal, from 28-30 November 2024. This will be an amazing opportunity to engage with forward-thinking researchers and leaders in nanotechnology and biotech. Can’t wait to see you in Madeira! #AMLResearch #OrganOnAChip #LeukaemiaInnovation #MADNano24 #PrecisionMedicine