GenoGla, Research and Diagnostics
About GenoGla

The GRP company

Born from world-class research at the University of Algarve, GenoGla is dedicated to translating validated science into accessible tools for the research community.

Our story

GenoGla was founded in 2009 as a spin-off from the Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) at the University of Algarve, Portugal. Our mission was clear: to bring groundbreaking discoveries in Vitamin K-dependent protein biology from the laboratory to researchers worldwide.

At the heart of our work is Gla-Rich Protein (GRP), a novel biomarker we identified and characterized that plays a crucial role in both calcification inhibition and inflammation modulation.

Today, we provide validated research tools, including antibodies, proteins, and testing services, that enable scientists to advance their understanding of calcification-related diseases.

2009

Founded

20

Publications

PCT

Patent

RUO

Quality standard

Leadership team

Our team combines business acumen with world-class scientific expertise in GRP and Vitamin K-dependent protein research.

Joaquim Nascimento

Joaquim Nascimento

Chief executive officer

MBA

Leading GenoGla's strategic vision and business development, bridging cutting-edge research with market applications.

ORCIDLinkedIn
Dr. Carla São Bento Viegas

Dr. Carla São Bento Viegas

Scientific advisor, co-founder

PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology

Pioneer in GRP research with 15+ years of expertise, advancing the understanding of GRP in calcification and inflammation from basic mechanisms to diagnostic and therapeutic innovation.

ORCIDCiência Vitae
Dr. Dina C. Simes

Dr. Dina C. Simes

Scientific advisor, co-founder

PhD in Biochemistry

Her research focuses on vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDPs), particularly Gla-rich protein (GRP), whose discovery and translational development she has led for more than 18 years.

ORCIDCiência Vitae

Our journey

  1. 2008First GRP characterization published
  2. 2009GRP first identified in human serum and associated with pathological calcification sites
  3. 2009GenoGla founded as University of Algarve spin-off
  4. 2014Development of carboxylation-state specific monoclonal antibodies against a γ-carboxylated epitope (cGRP) and an uncarboxylated epitope (ucGRP) of human GRP
  5. 2015Landmark ATVB publication on GRP in CVD
  6. 2017Anti-inflammatory role of GRP
  7. 2018First evidence linking GRP to CKD, together with the development of the first ELISA assay for quantitative GRP measurement.
  8. 2020GRP as a novel and early marker of vascular calcification in diabetic patients with CKD
  9. 2026Baseline data for circulating total GRP concentrations in healthy adults.

Intellectual property

PCT patent application PCT/PT2009000046, owned by the University of Algarve and CCMAR, with exclusive rights licensed to GenoGla Diagnostics.