Innovation Center for Neuroresilience (ICoN)

ICoN aims to shift the focus from treatment to prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. As a Centre for Research-based Innovation (SFI), it drives long-term collaboration between R&D-driven companies and top research environments to turn knowledge into impact.

ICoN leadership — From left: Professor Jutta Dierkes (Co-Director), Dr. Yamila Torres Cleuren (Head of Innovation) and Professor Charalampos Tzoulis (Director). Photo: Torbjørn Kråkenes.

Affiliation

About the research centre

Neurodegenerative diseases currently affect more than 70 million people worldwide and this number is expected to exceed 175 million by 2050. Among the most concerning conditions are α-synucleinopathies, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA) - all rapidly increasing and lacking treatments to stop or slow disease progression. Despite the enormous global impact associated with these conditions, major bottlenecks continue to limit progress and breakthroughs in the field. Treatments often start too late, after irreversible brain damage has already occurred. Drug candidates tested in clinical trials lack clear evidence that they reach and act in the human brain as intended. At the same time, potentially promising compounds remain unexplored, and the influence of diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors on disease development is poorly understood. ICoN aims to close these critical gaps by addressing each of them and by driving a fundamental shift in how neurodegenerative diseases are approached: change late-stage treatment to early prevention.

ICoN work packages

WP1 – Exploring Norway’s untapped potential for disease-modifying treatments (DMTs)

Norway has unique access to marine and land-based bioresources, offering strong potential to discover disease-modifying treatments (DMTs). WP1 will unlock this potential by establishing a structured pipeline for identification, validation, and clinical translation.

WP2 – Implement a clinical trial accelerator platform to assess target engagement

SLEIPNIR is an innovative clinical trial platform specifically designed to determine whether potential DMTs penetrate the human brain and engage their intended targets, thereby exerting the desired biological effects. SLEIPNIR, focus of WP2, will evaluate compounds prioritized by WP1.

WP3 – Platform for conducting prodromal clinical interventions

Early intervention offers the best chance to change the course of α-synucleinopathies. WP3 will establish Norway’s first trial platform focused on individuals in the prodromal stage of these devastating neurodegenerative diseases. In partnership with the Mohn Center for Neuroprotection, WP3 will build on the nationwide NOR-RBD cohort of individuals with iRBD - the strongest known predictor of future PD, DLB or MSA. This will position Norway at the forefront of preventive neurotherapeutics.

WP4 – Biomarkers for detection and monitoring of prodromal α-synucleinopathies

Clinical trials are limited by the lack of reliable biomarkers for disease progression and treatment response. In addition, current tools for early diagnosis and monitoring of α-synucleinopathies are resource-intensive and not suited for large-scale use. WP4 will address these challenges by developing and validating biomarker solutions across digital, molecular, and imaging domains.

WP5 – Role of environmental toxicants

Environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet and exposure to toxicants, are linked to an increased risk of α-synucleinopathies. While current dietary guidelines mainly focus on cardiovascular disease and cancer, neurodegenerative diseases remain largely overlooked. WP5 will explore these links, enabling public health authorities and industry partners to co-develop safer, evidence-based products and recommendations for brain health.

WP6 – Implementation & Valorization of outcomes

WP6 will serve as a collaborative hub connecting ICoN and its partners. It will ensure that scientific discoveries are translated into products, services, policies, and practices that improve health outcomes and create sustainable value for society and industry - while also supporting the continuation of research beyond the center’s 8-year funding period.