The Technology
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a non-infectious pandemic affecting more than 1% of the general population and more than 10% of individuals over the age of 65. Currently, there are no effective treatments for HFpEF, mainly due to the lack of in-vitro model of the disease. The generation of a model that recapitulates the disease phenotype will facilitate target identification and drug discovery for the diseases. Our patented invention presents a groundbreaking method for generating mature heart tissues and establishing a model for HFpEF. Key Features of the technology include: – Diverse Stem Cell Source: We utilize hiPSCs from both healthy individuals and those with HFpEF predispositions, broadening its utility. – Authentic Multicellular Tissues: Our process forms diverse heart cell types, creating a realistic multicellular environment. – Unique Maturation Method: We use a distinctive step-wise approach with specific ingredients for maturation while preserving other cell types. – HFpEF Model Development: We create HFpEF models by mimicking key contributors like hypertrophy, inflammation, steatosis, and diabetes. – Comprehensive Analysis: Our system automates thorough assessments, including passive force, length-force relationship, relaxation, calcium handling, biomarker secretion, and molecular/structural properties.
Advantages
- Revolutionary HFpEF Model: Unlike existing animal-based models, our in-vitro model is the first of its kind for HFpEF, offering new opportunities for research and treatment development.
- Exclusive Use of Human Cells: Our model relies solely on human cells, eliminating the need for primary or animal cells, making it more ethically sound and clinically relevant.
- Efficient and Reproducible: It is highly efficient to produce and boasts exceptional reproducibility. It can quickly generate tissues that faithfully replicate the full spectrum of disease phenotypes and underlying mechanisms.
- Versatile in Organoid Platforms: This model can adapt to various organoid platforms, ranging from single cells to large populations, allowing for flexibility in experimentation.
Applications and Opportunities
- Cardiac Research: Our method provides researchers with a versatile and authentic platform for studying heart development, maturation, and diseases, particularly HFpEF.
- Drug Development: Pharmaceutical companies can use our HFpEF model to test potential treatments, significantly accelerating drug discovery and development for heart conditions.
- Personalized Medicine: The ability to derive hiPSCs from individuals with genetic predispositions offers potential insights into personalized treatment strategies for heart diseases.
Business Development Contacts