阿斯利康公司的需要：肾小球功能的体外模型

阿斯利康提出需求：在大多数的慢性肾脏疾病的情况下有关肾小球滤过屏障功能受损的研究。缺少良好的肾小球体外模型，就不能在细胞学和病理学的范畴详细理解肾小球的功能。
阿斯利康正在寻找方法来开发一个肾小球模型系统。理想情况下,体外模型应该包含一个独立的微型药学单元，有适当的介质，流体流动和所受压力。可以调整模拟体内黏膜所需条件属性，最终建立形成一个功能肾小球滤过屏障。
具体看下面内容：
https://www.innocentive.com/ar/challenge/9933748The majority of all cases of chronic kidney disease, a key research area within AstraZeneca, originate in the glomerulus when filtration barrier function is compromised. However, a detailed cellular understanding of the functioning and pathology of the glomerulus has been limited by the lack of good in vitro models of glomerular function. 

AstraZeneca is looking for approaches to develop a glomerular model system. Ideally, the in vitro model should incorporate a self-contained microphysiological unit where biologically appropriate media, fluid flow and shear stress can be modulated to simulate in vivo properties that will ultimately recapitulate the  conditions necessary for endothelial and podocyte cell types to form a functional glomerular filtration barrier. 

This is an ideation challenge and only requires a written solution.

 


Source: InnoCentive      Challenge ID: 9933748
 
  Challenge Overview
The majority of all cases of chronic kidney disease, a key research area within AstraZeneca, originate in the glomerulus when filtration barrier is compromised. The coordinated efforts of the podocytes and endothelium together with their underlying  basement membrane establish the glomerular filtration barrier and injury to these cells can lead to loss of kidney function. 

There are currently no human in vitro models that mimic a functional or diseased glomerulus. Development of a human glomerular filtration barrier biomimetic system will thus address gaps in in vitro models for simulating human kidney disease, toxicity and DMPK. 

We are looking for innovative approaches to developing a glomerular model that incorporates a self-contained microphysiological unit, ideally including podocytes, the endothelium, and where biologically appropriate media, fluid flow, and shear stress can be modulated to simulate in vivo properties that will ultimately recapitulate the structural and cellular conditions necessary for glomerular function. 

ABOUT THE SEEKER 

AstraZeneca is a global, research-based, biopharmaceutical company with a focus on five key therapeutic areas: 1) cardiovascular & metabolic diseases, 2) oncology, 3) respiratory, inflammation & autoimmunity, 4) neuroscience, and 5) infection. As an innovation-driven, research organization, AstraZeneca recognizes that great ideas come from many sources. Open innovation is an avenue by which ideas can be shared and AstraZeneca recently launched a pavilion to further its commitment to facilitate the advancement of pharmaceutical research.