Progress and Alignment at the NAP4DIVE M18 Meeting

The NAP4DIVE consortium met at Month 18 to review progress and align the next phase of activities, with a strong focus on the translation of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems across the blood–brain barrier (BBB).

Discussions highlighted a key challenge in the field: although many nanoparticles demonstrate promising results in preclinical models, only a limited number successfully translate to clinical applications. The consortium therefore focused on improving predictivity through advanced in vitro BBB models, supported by simulation tools and artificial intelligence, developed within the project.

Significant progress was reported in the development of experimental platforms and screening approaches, as well as in the integration of computational modelling with biological validation. Partners also agreed on the need for a multi-parameter selection strategy to identify the most promising nanoparticle candidates for further testing.

Ethical and societal aspects were an important part of the discussions. Insights from a stakeholder workshop held in Gothenburg in December 2025, showed that ethical concerns evolve through engagement and discussion, underlining the importance of transparency and dialogue in developing new technologies.

The meeting also featured a dedicated exploitation workshop and an Ethics Board session, further supporting alignment between impact pathways, stakeholder perspectives and ethical oversight.

The consortium will now move towards the down-selection of a limited number of nanoparticle candidates, which will be further validated using integrated experimental and in vivo approaches. At the same time, continued work on dissemination, exploitation, and ethical assessment will ensure that project outcomes remain aligned with societal expectations and real-world needs.