This project investigated MESOTAS-SIEVE Brain-on-a-chip (BoC) technology for neurodegenerative drug developments. There is an unmet need for effective pre-clinical in vitro screening tools for drug development that target neurodegenerative diseases. Current in vitro 2D cell cultures and animal models do not reflect the in vivo situation, and often face significant validity issues, leading to high failure rates and pose a significant barrier to innovation. Our recent advances in microfabrication, microfluidics and 3D brain cell culture led to the development of a novel Brain-on-Chip (BoC)-technology that allows the live investigation of human brain cells within a microfabricated device having 3D structural elements that mimic brain-specific microarchitecture (spatially distributed neuronal network in a micro-sieve layout). These BoCs have several key advantages over conventional pre-clinical methods, as it allows the drug development process to be more efficient, cost effective and reduce the use of animals.
Particularly in neurodegenerative diseases, there is a high failure rate in drug approval due to poor predictive pre-clinical models. The MESOTAS-SIEVE Brain-on-a-Chip is a groundbreaking technology that connects single neurons in a micro-sieve to a 3D neuronal network construct. This allows highly specific single-cell activity read-outs within the population of neurons forming the neuronal cell network. This approach allows to study the healthy and diseased brain and neuronal tissues in great detail. As with many new technologies, BoC developments have received considerable attention as a possible new leap in medical sciences and clinical application. Use of organoids in combination with microfluidic technologies opens new frontiers for a truly personalized medicine approach. However, the business model and commercial exploitation of these technologies remain elusive as with many new disruptive developments. To effectively commercialize and exploit this technology, the BoC landscape has been mapped out in order to develop a clear business model. The market for BoC technology is currently still in its infancy, but expected to grow substantially in the upcoming years due to the unmet need in effective drugs for (neurodegenerative) diseases. Based on a comprehensive qualitative analysis of current Organ on Chip companies and potential end-users, here a hybrid business model is proposed as the most sustainable model for this technology area. Using this business model with a combination of product and consumable sales and Contract Research Organization (CRO) services, it allows effective collaboration and at the same time generating sales with all potential customers.
As this is a completely novel market, these CRO services are ideally established by a MESOTAS-SIEVE spin-off itself. Due to the complexity of the product and service and the low economic prospect, partnering with existing CROs is unfavorable at the time although collaborative project should simulate further commercial activities. Next to additional research needed to proof the validity of new assays being developed by means of the MESOTAS-SIEVE technology platform, several hurdles with respect to pricing and market acceptance have to be addressed, too, including lowering production costs, to enable the technology to reach its full potential.
