Development of Fluorogenic Assay Kit for Cardiolipin Ligand Screening (MitoCLue)

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Description

The project is developing a new biochemical assay that helps researchers safely and efficiently assess how potential drugs interact with the “energy generators” of cells - the mitochondria. Mitochondria are cellular structures that produce energy for the life and normal functioning of cells. 

The MitoCLue test uses a fluorescent dye to accurately determine whether the test substance has accumulated in the mitochondria. The technology enables fast, cheap and efficient testing of hundreds of substances per day. The test acts as a safety filter to help identify dangerous substances early and as a radar to find substances that could protect or improve cell health. 

Achievable results

The project aims to transform MitoCLue from a concept into a ready-to-use test kit that is robust, scalable to high volumes of testing and reliable across different laboratories. This will allow pharmaceutical companies and research institutes to make safer and more accurate decisions in drug development. 

Benefit

As a result, new therapies could reach patients faster, reducing costs and the risks of side effects. The project also promotes sustainable and resource-efficient science, making drug development safer, more effective and more environmentally friendly. 

Allocated funding

200,000 EUR on October 13, 2025.

Team

Dr. chem Pāvels Dimitrijevs
Leading Researcher, OSI Pharmacomodulator Synthesis Group
Dr. chem Mārtiņš Ikaunieks
Researcher, Laboratory of Carbofunctional Compounds, OSI
Msc. Alla Petrenko
Research Assistant, Pharmacomodulator Synthesis Group, OSI
Kristofers Rudzītis
Research Assistant, Pharmacomodulator Synthesis Group, OSI

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