On World Cancer Day, the NOVA Institute for Medical Systems Biology (NIMSB) marks an important milestone in its cancer research activities. António Jacinto, Scientific Director and Group Leader at NIMSB, together with his research team, has been awarded a LPCC–NRS Oncology Research Grant for the 2026–2028 period. The grant is co-funded by the Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro and Jerónimo Martins.

The funded project, entitled MERIT-H – Deciphering and Targeting Metabolic–Epigenetic Reprogramming of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts to Improve Therapy Response in Hepatocellular Carcinoma, aims to elucidate the metabolic–epigenetic mechanisms by which lactate sustains cancer-associated fibroblast activation in hepatocellular carcinoma. By targeting these mechanisms, MERIT-H seeks to explore new strategies to improve therapeutic response in this aggressive cancer type.

MERIT-H is driven by a multidisciplinary team led by António Jacinto, with clinical leadership from Hugo Pinto Marques, and includes NIMSB postdoctoral researchers Rute Salvador and Daniel Ribeiro, as well as NIMSB PhD students Inês Gomes and Rita Pereira. In close collaboration with Hospital Curry Cabral, the project integrates mechanistic research with clinically annotated patient samples, strengthening its translational relevance.

This award marks an important recognition of NIMSB’s cancer research. As a young institute, NIMSB is strengthening its expertise in precision and systems medicine, and this honour underscores the impact of its cancer research.

The continued commitment of the Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro and Jerónimo Martins to supporting oncology research is essential for advancing innovative and impactful science in Portugal and underscores the importance of sustained public–private partnerships in enabling high-quality cancer research.