CUPIDO
CUPIDO is an EU Horizon 2020-funded research consortium developing inhalable calcium phosphate nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery to the heart, serving cardiovascular disease patients and validating its platform with a 12-partner European group.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersMilan, Italy
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What CUPIDO does
CUPIDO (Cardiovascular Nanomedicine Pulmonary Disease Project) is an EU-funded research consortium launched in February 2017 under the Horizon 2020 NMBP programme, headquartered in Milan, Italy. The project develops inhalable, biocompatible, and biodegradable calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CaP NPs) approximately 50 nm in diameter that can self-assemble, encapsulate therapeutic molecules, and translocate from the lungs to the heart via the pulmonary vein after inhalation. The technology integrates aptamer-based chemical targeting, magnetic iron-loaded variants (FeCaPs) for electromagnetic guidance, and a continuous flow precipitation process for scalable manufacturing. Supporting capabilities include technetium-99m radiolabeled nanoparticles for SPECT-based biodistribution imaging, Simula's computational perfusion modeling, custom dry powder inhalers, and L.I.F.E. Italia's wearable physiological monitoring devices for preclinical validation.
The project is structured as a 12-partner consortium comprising six research groups (CNR, Charité, Imperial College London, Simula) and six commercial/SME partners (Sanofi, Nemera, Finceramica, PlumeStars, BIOEMTECH, L.I.F.E., CITC, INsrl). CUPIDO does not operate as a commercial entity: it has no products, no pricing model, no revenue, and no customer base. The defined end beneficiaries are cardiovascular disease patients (for angina and heart attack treatment), while the pharmaceutical industry is the secondary stakeholder for pre-clinical validation and potential downstream licensing. The project is funded entirely through an EU Horizon 2020 grant, with project coordination by Daniele Catalucci of CNR-IRGB. Notable milestones include proof-of-concept in Science Translational Medicine (2018), MCAA Best Innovator Award 2019, and first therapeutic efficacy proof-of-concept of the ultimate formulation in 2020.
CUPIDO firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- CUPIDO
- Legal name
- CUPIDO (Cardiovascular Nanomedicine Pulmonary Disease Project)
- Website
- https://cupidoproject.eu
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- CUPIDO is an EU Horizon 2020-funded research consortium developing inhalable calcium phosphate nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery to the heart, serving cardiovascular disease patients and validating its platform with a 12-partner European group.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
CUPIDO industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Cardiovascular Nanomedicine Research
- NAICS
- Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714), Research and Development in Nanotechnology (541713)
- SIC
- Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Cardiology & Vascular Specialty Pharmaceuticals (HLAIACAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Cardiometabolic Pharmaceuticals (Cardiovascular/Diabetes/Obesity) (HLAIAAAE), Non-viral Gene Delivery & Gene Therapy (LNP, polymers, electroporation, physical methods) (HLAAACAC), RNA Delivery Technologies (LNPs, polymers, conjugates incl. GalNAc, peptides, exosomes) (HLAAADAD)
Keywords
Where CUPIDO is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Milan
- HQ country
- Italy
- HQ region
- Europe
Markets served
CUPIDO business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels7 records
CUPIDO product offering
Product offeringCore offering
CUPIDO develops inhalable, biocompatible, biodegradable calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CaP NPs) that encapsulate therapeutic molecules and deliver them directly to the diseased heart via inhalation for cardiovascular disease treatment. The platform integrates aptamer-based chemical cardiac targeting and magnetic guidance (FeCaPs), supported by continuous-flow scalable nanoparticle production, radiolabeled imaging agents for biodistribution tracking, and computational perfusion modeling for simulation. Deliverables are research-stage drug delivery platforms and preclinical validation tools, not commercial products.
Product overview
CUPIDO (Cardiovascular Nanomedicine) is an EU-funded H2020 research project developing an innovative drug delivery platform for cardiovascular disease treatment. The core technology consists of inhalable calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CaP NPs) that self-assemble and encapsulate therapeutic molecules, then deliver them directly to the heart via inhalation. The platform includes multiple nanoparticle variants: standard CaP NPs, magnetically-responsive FeCaPs (iron-loaded for electromagnetic guidance), and aptamer-functionalized nanoparticles for enhanced cardiac targeting. Delivery is achieved through custom dry powder inhaler devices, with therapeutic candidates including Mimetic Peptide and miR-133. Supporting technologies include radiolabeled nanoparticles for in vivo biodistribution imaging via SPECT/CT, computational perfusion modeling tools, and wearable physiological monitoring devices for preclinical validation.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Quantifiable outcome
- Demonstrated restoration of cardiac function in mice with specific cardiac disease using inhaled dry powder of Calcium-Phosphate nanoparticle (dpCaPs) loaded with therapeutic molecules
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use CUPIDO
Customer profileSegments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
CUPIDO technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
CUPIDO partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and support.
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR)coreThe largest Italian public research organization with 109 institutes and over 6,000 researchers. Three CNR institutes are involved in CUPIDO: IRGB (Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research - UOS Milan) as coordinator, supported by ISTEC (Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics) and IEIIT (Institute of Electronics, Computer and Telecommunication Engineering). Coordinates the entire project.
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin BerlincoreUniversity medicine Berlin treating over 660,000 outpatient and 140,000 inpatient cases annually. The Department of Cardiology at Charité Campus Virchov-Klinikum provides clinical care, patient studies, and translational small and large animal models of cardiac disease. Hosts large animal core facility including high-tech hybrid operating room.
- Simula Research Laboratory AScoreInternationally leading research institution within information and communications technology, focusing on communication systems, scientific computing for biomedicine, and software engineering. Develops computational models for heart perfusion and nanoparticle distribution simulation.
- BIOEMTECHcoreGreek SME providing cost-effective molecular imaging solutions bridging ex vivo studies and in vivo imaging. Designs and develops low-cost molecular imaging systems for nuclear medicine technology and recently extended to X-ray systems.
- INsrlsupportItalian agency founded in 2008 supporting private and public organizations in participating in EU, national and local innovation projects. Provides professional project management services and training in soft skills, project management, and project financing.
- NemeracoreWorld leader in design, development, and manufacturing of drug delivery solutions with over 1,600 people and 4 plants across two continents. Expertise covers multiple delivery modes including pulmonary (inhalers), with over 60 engineers at Innovation Center near Lyon, France.
- Imperial College LondoncoreWorld leading science-based university with National Heart and Lung Institute having long-standing track record in cardiorespiratory research, contributing over 50% of UK's publications in leading respiratory research journals.
- Cambridge Innovation Technologies Consulting Ltd (CITC)supportSME based in Cambridge, UK providing innovation in high-tech fields requiring multidisciplinary approaches. Develops bio-electronics, integrated smart sensors, advanced medical solutions, and feasibility studies in emerging medical fields.
- SanoficoreGlobal healthcare leader discovering, developing, and distributing therapeutic solutions. Organized into five global business units including Diabetes and Cardiovascular. Listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and New York (NYSE: SNY).
- FIN-CERAMICA Faenza S.p.A.coreCompany established in 1992 as spin-off from Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics. Develops, produces, and markets innovative therapeutic solutions in biomedical field, part of Tampieri Group.
- L.I.F.E. ItaliasupportHigh-tech company founded in 2011 creating intelligent wear. Developed technologies in advanced fabrics, electronics, conductive materials, sensors, algorithms, and communication devices. Designs wearable devices for physiological monitoring.
- PlumeStars s.r.l.coreInnovative start-up from University of Parma (established September 2013) specialized in drug delivery to lung for respiratory diseases. Holds patented technology for molecular deposition of fatty acids on drug microparticles for aerosol administration.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
CUPIDO competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals: Alnylam commercializes targeted RNA interference therapeutics using GalNAc-conjugate and LNP delivery platforms. Comparable as a leading targeted-delivery RNA therapeutics player, addressing similar targeted-delivery challenges for cardiac and systemic indications.
- Capricor Therapeutics: Capricor Therapeutics develops cardiac cell therapy and exosome-based therapeutics for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and heart failure. Comparable as a cardiac-focused emerging therapeutic developer addressing similar cardiovascular indications.
Broad incumbents
- AstraZeneca: AstraZeneca has leading cardiovascular (Farxiga, Brilinta) and respiratory (Symbicort, Fasenra) franchises. Comparable as a broad incumbent that combines cardiovascular and respiratory drug delivery, the same intersection CUPIDO targets.
- Sanofi (Cardiovascular Business Unit): Sanofi operates a global Diabetes & Cardiovascular business unit and is itself a CUPIDO consortium partner. Comparable as a large incumbent with established cardiovascular commercial infrastructure, regulatory capabilities, and the ability to in-license or commercialize CUPIDO-class assets.
- Vectura Group (Kindeva Drug Delivery): Vectura (now part of Kindeva) is a specialist inhalation drug delivery CDMO with deep expertise in inhalers and DPI formulation. Comparable as a specialized inhalation drug delivery incumbent with manufacturing capability for products like CUPIDO's dry-powder formulation.
Direct peers
- Selecta Biosciences: Selecta Biosciences develops synthetic nanoparticle immunomodulatory therapeutics using its ImmTOR platform. Comparable to CUPIDO as a designer nanoparticle delivery company tackling tolerance and targeted delivery challenges in chronic disease.
- Pulmatrix: Pulmatrix develops inhaled dry-powder pharmaceutical formulations, including iSPERSE technology for respiratory and systemic delivery. It is directly comparable to CUPIDO's inhalable nanoparticle platform for targeted drug delivery, especially the route of administration and dry-powder formulation work.
- CeloNova BioSciences: CeloNova BioSciences is a cardiovascular-focused nanomedicine company with nano-coated interventional devices and nanoparticle-based drug delivery. Directly comparable to CUPIDO in cardiovascular-specific nano-therapeutic development.
- Nanobiotix: Nanobiotix is a clinical-stage nanomedicine company developing nano-therapeutics for solid tumors. Comparable to CUPIDO as a nanoparticle-based therapeutics platform with proprietary nano-formulation IP targeting unmet medical needs.
- Aradigm (Civitas Therapeutics): Aradigm/Civitas developed inhaled liposomal drug delivery platforms (e.g., Arikace for lung infections). Directly comparable to CUPIDO's inhalable nanoparticle approach in delivery modality, particle engineering, and clinical translation challenges for inhaled therapeutics.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
CUPIDO social profiles
Digital presenceCUPIDO financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
CUPIDO leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
CUPIDO funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
CUPIDO M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about CUPIDO
What does CUPIDO do?
CUPIDO develops inhalable, biocompatible, biodegradable calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CaP NPs) that encapsulate therapeutic molecules and deliver them directly to the diseased heart via inhalation for cardiovascular disease treatment. The platform integrates aptamer-based chemical cardiac targeting and magnetic guidance (FeCaPs), supported by continuous-flow scalable nanoparticle production, radiolabeled imaging agents for biodistribution tracking, and computational perfusion modeling for simulation. Deliverables are research-stage drug delivery platforms and preclinical validation tools, not commercial products.
Is CUPIDO a public or private company?
CUPIDO is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was CUPIDO founded?
CUPIDO was founded in 2017. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is CUPIDO based?
CUPIDO is headquartered in Milan, Italy, in the Europe region.
Who are CUPIDO's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Alnylam Pharmaceuticals and Capricor Therapeutics. Broad incumbents are AstraZeneca, Sanofi (Cardiovascular Business Unit) and Vectura Group (Kindeva Drug Delivery). Direct peers are Selecta Biosciences, Pulmatrix, CeloNova BioSciences, Nanobiotix and Aradigm (Civitas Therapeutics).
Does CUPIDO have an API?
No public API is recorded for CUPIDO.
What industry is CUPIDO in?
CUPIDO's product category is Cardiovascular Nanomedicine Research. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAIACAG, Cardiology & Vascular Specialty Pharmaceuticals, with a secondary code of HLAIAAAE, Cardiometabolic Pharmaceuticals (Cardiovascular/Diabetes/Obesity). Its NAICS code is 541714 and its SIC code is 2834.