Risk-sharing Alliance progresses on-chip Models for IBD and HBV

Organ-on-chip-based research and technology company MIMETAS (Leiden), is collaborating with pharmaceutical business Roche, to develop human disease models to characterise novel compounds in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and hepatitis B virus infections (HBV). Under the terms of the agreement, MIMETAS is eligible to receive an upfront payment and milestone payments from Roche.

The Netherlands-based company will be responsible for developing tissue-based disease models and assays using its OrganoPlate, proprietary organ-on-chip platform that increases predictability of biomarkers and reduces animal use in scientific testing. Along with gaining access to the platform technology and results developed under the collaboration, Roche will also receive an option to exclusively license specific disease models and assays for use in drug discovery.

"This exciting collaboration enables our research and early development group to apply state-of-the-art organ-on-a-chip technology in the modeling of IBD and HBV. These models have the potential to improve our understanding of disease biology and transform our drug discovery process," said James Sabry, Global Head, Roche Pharma Partnering.

"The collaboration with Roche leverages our ongoing focus on developing predictive, phenotypic models, preceded by numerous successful projects over the last eight years," said Jos Joore, CEO of MIMETAS. "We will leverage our disease modeling expertise in our world-leading OrganoPlate platform to gain novel insights in IBD and HBV. Working together with the outstanding Roche team, we hope to make a difference in the lives of patients."

Further information online