Digital Health Hero Vitrofluidix: A livable future without animal testing
Did you know: Around 90 % of new drugs tested on animals are ultimately not approved for human use, yet in Germany alone, around 2-3 million animals are used for scientific purpose, causing estimated costs of around 21 billion euro from taxes every year.
It is no news, that animal studies are often not directly transferable to humans. Various factors such as differences in physiology and genetics between animals and humans contribute to this high failure rate, still the numbers in testing and on money spent for animal testing remain high. They shed light onto a significantly inefficient system behind medical testing, that does not lack alternatives.
TIME TO ACT
In vitro-tests, 3D bioprinting and Organ-on-a-Chip (short OoC) procedures, for example, have proven to be reliable alternatives. Vitrofluidix, a Cologne-based med tech start-up and alumni of our last BRYCK Startup Booster program, is now taking the latter to a new level. OoC technology is widely known for its accuracy and could enable annual savings of up to 26 %. While the go to market for drugs developed in established medical research based on animal testing takes an average of 12 years, OoC technology is also able to enhance progress and reduce the process to taking only 5-7 years.
But what is Organ-on-a-Chip?
An organ-on-a-chip is a multi-channel 3D microfluidic biochip that simulates the activities, mechanics and physiological reactions of entire organs and organ systems - a kind of artificial organ. The chip is usually made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS).
In order to obtain a more realistic reproduction of the organ under investigation, different cell types can be combined to form a 3D structure. This can be done by inserting different cell layers or by using hydrogel-based matrices that mimic the extracellular matrix of the organ. Different techniques can be used to mimic the mechanical, electrical and chemical microenvironment of the organ. The results mimic a realistic humane reaction and are therefore safer, more accurate and more reliable than animal tests.
The Challenges about Organ-on-a-Chip Technology
While the technology is promising and effective - but underfunded - old test procedures are still widely used .: Only around 4-5 million Euros of yearly funding leads towards animal-free research, while safety and accuracy are not the matter when it comes to the use of Organ on a Chip technology.
“I noticed the lack of a standardized and commercial solution for organ-on-a-chip experiments. These problems triggered the founding project: to develop an OoC platform that enables the technology to be used on a broad scale. This should set a new standard in the OoC industry.” – David Günther, Founder Vitrofluidix
Until recently, conventional OoC technology has been blocking infrastructure by occupying multiple devices. It lacked adaptivity, was limited to single organ simulation, expensive and was not intuitive in usability for scientists.
The Solution: VitroFlow OoC
Vitrofluidix have committed themselves to those challenges. They solve this problem with their VitroFlow OoC device, which is simple and intuitive to use and enables the simulation of any organ at the same time. With its expandability, intuitiveness and inexpensiveness, it aims to set a standard for OoC technology in the industry. By giving a reliable alternative to animal testing, it is also one of the impact drivers and innovations, that creates much needed change regarding efficiency and safety in medical testing.
Keyfacts about Vitrofluidix:
- Founding year: 2024
- Number of employees: 6
- Company Headquater: Cologne
- Pre-Seed goal:
Their solution:
VitrofluidiX is the first company to develop an easy-to-use, fully integrated and adaptive organ-on-a-chip platform that can be used to simulate a wide variety of human organs and thus reduce animal testing.
With participating in our 8-week booster program, Vitrofluidix got closer to their goal of closing their seed investment round. Together with an expert duo consisting of Laura Kohler as their BRYCK business mentor and Maximilian Förtmann from AstraZeneca as their industry expert, they worked intensively on their challenges and pushed their business to the next level.
Taylor-made solutions for your Digital Health Startup
Your startup builds bridges in the context of upcoming gaps in healthcare provision or deals with the shortage of skilled workers? Then our program is for you! Apply now for our digital health booster, starting in October 2024!
