Advances In The Development Of In Vitro Models Of Neurodegenerative Diseases

The hallmarks of progressive neurodegenerative diseases are sadly all too familiar to millions worldwide. As neurons and supporting cells in the central and peripheral nervous system succumb to deterioration, symptoms worsen over time and are ultimately fatal for those afflicted with conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). While the precise genetic, cellular, and physiological causes of progressive neurodegeneration are not fully understood, misregulated inflammation is implicated in many of these diseases.

The burden of neurodegenerative diseases on global healthcare remains extraordinarily high. Many gaps exist in our understanding of the mechanisms of disease progression, drug action, toxicity, and pharmacokinetic profiles due to the notorious complexity of the human brain and nervous system. These gaps continue to plague preclinical research that is reliant on traditional in vitro cell culture and animal models. Despite substantial investment in drug development, pharmaceutical companies face hurdles in streamlining the process and accelerating the delivery of safer, more effective treatments for neurodegenerative diseases to market.

Discover a more predictive in vitro model of the human brain that represents the next step in predictive biological models for neurodegenerative disease research. The Brain-Chip enables researchers to explore the safety, efficacy, and blood-brain barrier penetration of therapeutics within a comprehensive, human-relevant model. Clinical successes made possible by this innovative technology hold promise in bringing much-needed hope to the millions impacted by neurodegenerative diseases.