A Virtual Research Institute project launched in Wrocław
This marks a symbolic moment opening the implementation phase of research into new oncology therapies under the PACMAN project. On 28 January 2026, at Łukasiewicz – PORT in Wrocław, a funding agreement was signed for the winning project of the fourth edition of the Virtual Research Institute competition.
PACMAN (“Personalized antibody–drug conjugates activated by matrix metalloproteinases for solid tumours”) is a project submitted to the Virtual Research Institute by a consortium of research institutions from Wrocław and Warsaw. By decision of an international panel of experts, it has been awarded almost PLN 73 million from the Polish Science Fund.
At the University of Wrocław, the project is led by the Faculty of Biotechnology, headed by prof. Małgorzata Zakrzewska. The leader of the research team, which will involve nearly 100 scientists from six institutions in Wrocław and Warsaw over five years, is prof. Marcin Poręba from Wrocław University of Science and Technology.
This is the first Virtual Research Institute project in which the consortium leader is based in Wrocław. − The aim of our research is to develop an antibody–drug conjugate, that is, a combination of an antibody with a very potent therapeutic compound that on its own is too toxic to be administered into the patient’s bloodstream − explains prof. Marcin Poręba. − A key element of the project is the use of a Trojan horse strategy. We want to attach a powerful drug to an antibody and mask it, so that it reaches the tumour microenvironment and only then becomes active, triggered by tumour enzymes. This will ensure high toxicity and, consequently, the death of cancer cells, without damaging healthy tissues along the way.
In addition to Wrocław University of Science and Technology and the University of Wrocław, the consortium includes the Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy of the Polish Academy of Sciences and the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences. Complementary expertise from Warsaw will be provided by researchers from the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences.
The funding agreement for the PACMAN project was signed on 28 January, in the presence of representatives of key institutions, including prof. Arkadiusz Lewicki, Vice-Rector of the University of Wrocław for Finance and Development, by prof. Arkadiusz Wójs, Rector of Wrocław University of Science and Technology, and prof. Jarosław Bosy, Director of Łukasiewicz – PORT.
As the programme operator, Łukasiewicz – PORT is responsible not only for organising and running the competitions, but above all for supporting the commercialisation of their results. − The foundation of innovation is science. The foundation of innovation is science, I will repeat this twice, because without a solid foundation we will not build any innovation or commercialise anything. The effective use of the unique infrastructure and competences at our disposal can be combined with the needs of industry, but can also be used to address civilisational challenges. And cancer is undoubtedly such a challenge − said prof. Jolanta Itrich-Drabarek, Vice-President of the Łukasiewicz Research Network. She added that the Network aims to build long-term partnerships and therefore hopes that the consortium being formed will not be the last for its participants.
The scientists have selected five solid tumours that pose a major clinical challenge for modern medicine: non-small cell lung cancer, melanoma, breast cancer, colorectal cancer and pancreatic cancer. A broad programme of basic research from chemistry through biochemistry, molecular biology and cytophysiology will be complemented in the project by advanced analyses using artificial intelligence and mathematical models, as well as in vivo studies.
More information on the research interests of prof. Małgorzata Zakrzewska from the Faculty of Biotechnology at the University of Wrocław can be found here.
Edit. Katarzyna Górowicz-Maćkiewicz
Date of publication: 30.01.2026
Added by: EJK
