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Challenges

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11.30.2020

Development of a pharmaceutical form that innovates the release method of active ingredients

"Large molecules" have long since become part of the range of pharmaceuticals to be used to treat diseases, especially those which, to date, have been the most difficult to tackle and overcome. This challenge becomes even more difficult when it comes to translating a large molecule into a pharmaceutical. A fundamental and delicate step in this process is developing the composition, which enables the final configuration of the product, so that it can be called a pharmaceutical. The composition is highly dependent on the chosen route of administration but is crucial for delivering the pharmaceutical adequately.

 

Objective of the challenge

Study of an "oral" composition platform for the drug delivery of pharmaceuticals belonging to the "large molecule" category, with particular reference to proteins or peptides or active fragments of protein origin.

Software/hardware development to manage an illness

Liver encephalopathy is a serious, perhaps the most serious complication of liver cirrhosis. Early diagnosis, correct management and careful monitoring by family members and caregivers make it possible to avoid the causes that predispose to a new acute outbreaks.

 

Objective of the challenge

Design an instrument (device, app, other) that is simple, effective and intuitive to use, which allows for the evolution of the illness to be kept under control and which generally improves the quality of life of patients with liver encephalopathy.

Ever closer advice from the pharmacist

Over the last few years, the pharmacy has increasingly transformed from a place where you can find the pharmaceuticals or products necessary for your well-being, to a real centre for first consultation and healthcare in the area. The trust in the health workers found there is evident from the various research work conducted over the years, always at the top of the rankings, with values often much higher than for doctors themselves. It is precisely this counselling activity, which is increasingly in demand, that is fundamental to highlight the deep attachment that Italians show to this institution, which is crucial for more vulnerable citizens in particular. New technologies bring users even closer to the pharmacist.

 

Objective of the challenge

Developing a feasibility project for technological solutions (applications, platforms, software, apps, devices with ad hoc software) that make it possible for the pharmacist to counsel frail customers (the elderly, vulnerable patients, the disabled, etc).

Alfasigma

Alfasigma is one of the 5 main players in the pharmaceutical industry in Italy, with a turnover that exceeded 1 billion euros in 2019. The story of Alfasigma began in 1948 in Bologna (Italy) with Marino Golinelli – an entrepreneur and philanthropist, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday – as its founder and is firmly anchored to a long tradition of innovation and success. 

The business strategy pursued is twofold, since its foundation:

  • Development and production around some proprietary molecules, which today account for over 50% of sales
  • Through external lines, a solid strategy of mergers and acquisitions with other Italian and international companies (Sigma-Tau, Pamlab)

Alfasigma currently has more than 3,000 employees worldwide and a presence in more than 90 countries, through 17 branches and the best distributors.

PROMOTER

MEDIA PARTNER

SOCIAL MEDIA PARTNER

PARTNER

ALFATHON COMMITTEE

MATTEO FORTINI

IVAN GARDINI

PHARMACISTS ASSOCIATION

Regulations

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Free signup

Age

Max 150 participants

Deadline
30.11.2020

Dedicated tutor

Final prize:
5.000 €

FAQ

Alfathon is the first full digital hackathon organized by Alfasigma in the field of pharmaceutical research. It is divided into three challenges, all in the pharmaceutical field, which aim to make a significant contribution to research.

Alfasigma is one of the 5 main players in the pharmaceutical industry in Italy, with a turnover that exceeded 1 billion euros in 2019. The property is owned 75% by the founder’s family and 25% by two investment funds.

The Alfathon is open to all those who are at least 18 years old and who will register no later than 30.11.2020 on the web platform www.alfathon.com.

Registration can be done as a single individual or single member of a team (maximum number of participants per Team: 5)

Yes, the participation is free.

The challenges are 3.

Challenge 1: “Development of a pharmaceutical form that innovates the release method of active ingredients”

Challenge 2: “Software/hardware development to manage an illness”

Challenge 3: “Ever closer advice from the pharmacist”

Yes, the choice is free with respect to one of the 3 proposed challenges.

You can participate both individually and in a team (maximum number of participants per team: 5).

Projects must be sent to the e-mail address received following registration between Tuesday 1st december and Sunday 20th.

The deadline to register, as indicated on the website, is Monday 30th November 2020.

It is possible to register on the website www.alfathon.com by filling out the appropriate registration form.

Projects must be sent to the e-mail address received following registration.

Projects must be presented in a format chosen from Powerpoint, PDF or video. It will be possible to attach additional materials useful for the evaluation of the project such as feasibility plans, graphics, links, prototypes, tests.

The projects will be examined by a jury composed of 7 members selected, by way of example, from the academic, research and innovation world and will be experts in the pharmaceutical field.

Alfathon’s goal is to offer a relevant contribution to research in the pharmaceutical field with innovative projects with respect to the proposed challenges.

No, it’s not possible to participate to more than one challenge.

The Alfathon takes place in full digital mode and participation is remote.