Project description
A step change in the evaluation of bone histology with 3D micro-computerised tomography
Osteoarthritis is a debilitating chronic disease characterised by the degeneration of the slippery cushion between bones (cartilage), which normally enables nearly frictionless joint motion. When it wears down completely, the underlying bone begins to break down as well. The histological assessment of associated tissues is currently the gold standard for the evaluation of osteoarthritis, both in patients and in animal models of the disease. This conventionally involves preparing multiple thin slices of tissues on slides for evaluation with a light microscope. The EU-funded MUOTO project has developed a methodology to produce a 3D representation of a tissue sample based on computerised tomography (CT). The micro-CT procedure promises to enhance reliability and resolution while reducing time and cost. Moreover, it will accelerate the development of treatments and allow for earlier diagnosis, thus improving patient outcomes.
Objective
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common musculoskeletal disease. OA has significant socio-economic impact as it severely affects the quality of life, reduces productivity and carries higher risk of mortality. However, the development of new treatments for OA is painstakingly long and very challenging. There are many clinical OA drug trials that have ended in a failure. In my ERC-StG project, we have developed 3D histopathological evaluation method of OA from micro-computed tomography (μCT). It allows detecting narrow cracks and surface irregularities that are associated with very early OA. Importantly, with our novel method deterioration and degradation of joint surfaces can be analysed much earlier than with any other non-invasive imaging solution. The key is in pinpointing the most important histological changes with the highest reliability while retaining the anatomical information, lost in the conventional histology. This is expected to decrease the number of histological evaluations by 20-fold, saving substantial amount of time, and consequently, money. We will significantly add value to pharmaceutical industry developing new therapies for OA. Eventually, our solution speeds up the time-to-market for new and more effective OA drugs, while saving in R&D costs. Later on, we can offer inexpensive, effective and accurate diagnosis and prognosis tool for OA patients. Gradually, we will gather a big data repository of various compounds and their effects on OA. From this data, and with the help of Artificial Intelligence engine, we can visually show the predicted compound efficacy, or suggest a drug combination never imagined earlier. In this PoC, the commercialization planning is carried out with a focal point on Software as a Service (SaaS) business model. We will also improve the adoptability of our innovation (e.g. visualisation of the OA severity, positioning in the value chain) and plan the big data business strategy.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences artificial intelligence
- social sciences sociology demography mortality
- natural sciences computer and information sciences data science big data
- social sciences economics and business business and management business models
- natural sciences biological sciences histology
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
ERC-POC-LS - ERC Proof of Concept Lump Sum Pilot
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2019-PoC
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
90014 Oulu
Finland
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