Bridging the Gap How Human Microphysiological Systems Improve the Translatability of NASH Drug Dis

Presented By:
Raul Silva

Speaker Biography:
Raul Silva is a Scientist working in CN Bio's Contract Research team. Before joining CN Bio, Raul was a genetic technologist at the Cambridge University Hospitals Genomics Laboratory, working in genetic diagnostic testing. He has a background in genomics and cell biology, having completed a BSc in biomedical science at Anglia Ruskin University and an MSc in cell and gene therapy at University College London. Since joining CN Bio, Raul has had an active role in delivering contract research projects using the PhysioMimix™ OOC microphysiological systems and has become a specialist in CN Bio's NASH model used to assess anti-NASH compounds efficacy.

Webinar:
Bridging the Gap - How Human Microphysiological Systems Improve the Translatability of NASH Drug Discovery

Webinar Abstract:
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a spectrum of metabolic disorders affecting 25% of our global population. 20% of NAFLD patients go on to develop Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the most severe form of NAFLD, which can result in cirrhosis and liver cancer if left untreated. NASH is characterized by lipid accumulation, infiltration of immune cells, and liver fibrosis. Despite continued research and development efforts, there are currently no approved drug treatments for NASH. Traditional preclinical tests, mainly based on in vivo animal models, have continuously failed to predict human drug efficacy as they inadequately recreate the complexity and multifaceted nature of this human disease. There is a relevancy gap between preclinical models and humans, which human organ-on-a-chip models can address.

Building more predictive, human-relevant models is crucial to successfully bringing efficient anti-NASH therapies to the market. Microphysiological systems (MPS) recapitulate key aspects of human organs’ phenotype, architecture. MPSs extend culture longevity up to a month, enabling studies that were not previously possible, such as the ability to profile phase I and II drug metabolism, mimic key aspects of human diseases, identify potential metabolite-driven toxicity, or detect drug efficacy. In this presentation, we will discuss the use of a liver MPS to model different aspects of clinical NASH and its use to investigate the efficacy and mechanisms of actions of novel NASH therapeutics.

Earn PACE Credits:

LabRoots on Social:
SnapChat: labroots_inc