In-silico drug development for Alzheimer's using 3D disease model
Awaken-Bio's innovative approach leverages a 3D Alzheimer's model to design drugs targeting ECM-driven pathology. By inhibiting PIEZO1, this method aims to reduce inflammation and enhance Aβ clearance, offering a potential therapeutic breakthrough for Alzheimer's.
Overview
Awaken-Bio presents a cutting-edge solution for Alzheimer's drug development by utilizing a sophisticated in-silico and 3D co-culture model. This approach targets the extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins linked to Alzheimer's progression, focusing on inhibiting the PIEZO1 ion channel to reduce neuroinflammation and enhance amyloid-beta (Aβ) clearance. This novel strategy aims to disrupt the cycle of ECM stiffness and neuroinflammation, potentially offering a breakthrough therapeutic avenue for Alzheimer's disease.
Technical specifications
- 3D Alzheimer's Model: Utilizes an advanced "AD in a Dish" model with patented T-Gel hydrogel, inducing ECM stiffness and replicating patient-like Aβ and pTau within 10 days.
- In-silico Drug Design: Collaborates with experts to design drug candidates targeting mechanotransduction pathways, followed by ADME/Tox screening for pharmacokinetic and safety profiles.
- Validation Process: Synthesized compounds are tested in 3D co-cultures of AD neurons and microglia to evaluate Aβ/pTau reduction and toxicity. Further assessments include blood-brain barrier permeability and efficacy in mouse models.
Technology readiness level
This innovative technology is at TRL 4, indicating that it has been validated in a lab environment and is progressing towards further development. The integration of in-silico design with high-throughput in-vitro screening accelerates the preclinical phase, enhancing the transferability and reducing time-to-market.
About Awaken-Bio
Awaken Bio develops next-generation 3D in-vitro assays designed to mimic brain biomechanics. This technology aims to facilitate accelerated, breakthrough drug discovery by providing high patient transferability and faster turnaround times to identify clinically relevant therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases. The company operates as a research-focused entity within the biotechnology sector.
By focusing on the complex biomechanical environment of the brain, the company's platform provides researchers and pharmaceutical partners with tools to improve the predictability of preclinical drug testing. This approach is intended to bridge the gap between initial laboratory studies and clinical applications, helping to mitigate the challenges of traditional drug screening processes in the field of neurology.
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