New study presents a human-relevant stress model for assessing potential therapeutics
ORLANDO, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#BiotechNews–Hesperos, Inc. (Hesperos), a global leader focused on improving preclinical drug development, food, cosmetic, and chemical testing with its Human-on-a-Chip® (HoaC) single- and multi-organ systems platform, is pleased to announce the publication of a new peer-reviewed study, developed in collaboration with Bayer Consumer Health. The study introduces the first human-relevant microphysiological system (MPS) capable of modeling central nervous system (CNS) stress responses and evaluating potential therapeutic compounds. The full paper, “Developing a Functional Non-Animal CNS Stress Model Utilizing Long-Term Potentiation with Human iPSC-Cortical Neurons to Evaluate Therapeutics,” is now available in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy.
Stress has been implicated in a wide range of neurological conditions, including memory loss, impaired learning, and increased risk for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, has long been linked to cognitive decline in both a time- and concentration-dependent manner, but until now researchers have lacked functional in vitro models to study its effects on neural networks and identify potential therapeutic strategies.
The research team developed a functional non-animal model of stress-induced synaptic dysfunction using human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cortical neurons cultured on microelectrode arrays. By measuring long-term potentiation (LTP), a key correlate of learning and memory, the model successfully reproduced the concentration- and time-dependent effects of cortisol on neural networks.
“This advance demonstrates the ability of Human-on-a-Chip systems to replicate complex neurological processes such as stress-related cognitive decline without the need for animal studies,” said Dr. James Hickman, Chief Scientist at Hesperos and senior author of the study. “The model provides a new tool to better understand how stress affects the brain and to screen candidate therapeutics in a biologically relevant context.”
Key findings from the study include:
- Recapitulation of stress effects: Chronic exposure to cortisol disrupted neuronal network activity and impaired LTP, mimicking stress-related cognitive decline observed in humans.
- Therapeutic rescue: Echinacea extract and its active ingredient, dodeca-2E,4E,8Z,10Z-tetraenoic acid N-isobutyl amide, were shown to significantly alleviate stress-induced deficits in LTP.
- Alternative to animal testing: The system highlights the potential of microphysiological platforms to replace traditional animal models in preclinical stress and neurodegenerative disease research.
“Stress is a hallmark of the modern world and affects nearly everyone on some level,” said Dr. Ramy Ammar, Director Science Innovation, Global R&D at Bayer Consumer Health. “By better modeling and understanding stress at the cellular level through these innovative approaches, we can accelerate the development of effective and trusted solutions for mental health and cognitive well-being.”
The study adds to a growing body of evidence supporting organ-on-a-Chip systems as a powerful, biologically relevant platform for evaluating CNS disorders and therapeutic interventions. In addition to modeling stress, the technology has been applied to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurological conditions.
About Hesperos
Hesperos is a global contract research organization (CRO) specializing in preclinical drug development services utilizing its Human-on-a-Chip® platform. By replicating key aspects of human biology (and thus avoiding expensive, time-consuming, and often less informative animal testing), Human-on-a-Chip® organ-system models provide product development teams with more meaningful insights that can accurately predict an agent’s therapeutic profile while lowering costs and accelerating development timelines. For more information, visit www.hesperosinc.com.
About Bayer
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. In line with its mission, “Health for all, Hunger for none,” the company’s products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.
Contacts
Media Contacts
Nathan Post
Hesperos, Inc.
[email protected]
Jeffrey Donald
Bayer AG
[email protected]
