image: Logos for Terasaki Institute and Technology Innovation Institute Collaboration
Credit: Terasaki Institute and Technology Innovation Institute
Los Angeles, CA – January 27, 2025 - The Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation- in Los Angeles and the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the dedicated research arm of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), have started a new collaboration to advance drug discovery and disease modeling related to neurological conditions.
The collaboration between the Terasaki Institute and TII is on the development of advanced 3D mini-brain models, representing a transformative approach to drug discovery and disease modeling. These mini-brain-on-chip platforms will replicate the architecture and functionality of the human brain on a microscopic level, allowing researchers to explore neurological diseases and screen drug candidates in a more accurate and human-relevant environment. This joint effort aims to create more precise models of neurological conditions, providing a robust foundation for identifying effective treatments and accelerating the development of new therapies.
The significance of developing 3D mini-brain models lies in their ability to mimic human brain tissue in ways that traditional 2D models cannot. These platforms can simulate complex brain activities, such as neuronal connectivity and synaptic function, which are crucial for understanding diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and epilepsy. By integrating human-induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) with organ-on-chip technology, these models offer a high-throughput screening (HTS) platform that enables rapid testing of many potential drug candidates, reducing the time and cost involved in drug development.
Professor Ali Khademhosseini, Director and CEO of the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, emphasizes the potential impact of this collaboration: "This partnership between the Terasaki Institute and TII represents a significant leap forward in biomedical research. By combining our expertise in stem cell technology and organ-on-chip platforms with TII's advanced capabilities, we are poised to create more accurate models of neurological diseases. This collaboration has the potential to revolutionize drug discovery and personalized medicine, ultimately improving patient outcomes and advancing our understanding of complex neurological conditions."
Dr. Thomas Launey, Chief Researcher of the TII Biotech Research Centre (TII-BRC), highlights the collaboration as a crucial foundation technology for drug research. “By focusing on organoids derived from Human cells and Terasaki’s organ-on-chips technology, this project shortens the path to cure for human disease. The organ-on-chip part enables high-throughput screening to quickly identify the best drug among many candidates, while the Human cell aspect allows us to work with accurate models of diseases affecting human organs to test the benefits of the drug. This is an integral part of TII-BRC comprehensive approach to drug development, combining in silico drug design, biodiscovery and Machine Learning."
The 3D mini-brain models not only facilitate HTS but also enable the study of human-specific responses to drugs and neurotoxic agents, offering a platform for more reliable preclinical testing. These models provide unprecedented insight into the pathology of neurological diseases, contributing to the development of personalized medicine by tailoring treatments based on individual patient responses.
This project provides a unique opportunity to leverage the expertise of both the Terasaki Institute and TII. Dr. Adeeba Shakeel, a Senior Researcher on the project, says, “By combining the Terasaki Institute’s profound knowledge in iPSC-based disease modeling with TII’s capabilities in high-throughput screening, we are positioned to make breakthroughs in developing targeted therapies for neurological diseases.”
The initial phase of the collaboration between the Terasaki Institute and TII, which will focus on the design and development of the mini-brain-on-chip, is expected to last about six months. Subsequent phases will focus on the validation studies and the application of the platform in drug screening, with an anticipated completion within 12 months.
For more information, please contact:
Maurizio Vecchione
Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation
Email: mvecchione@terasaki.org
About Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation
The Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing biomedical research and innovation. With a focus on developing technologies that improve human health, the institute collaborates with leading researchers and institutions worldwide.
About Technology Innovation Institute (TII)
Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is the dedicated research arm of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). TII drives transformative research and development across multiple domains, fostering innovation and collaboration to solve real-world challenges.
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