Technology Opportunities

Neuromuscular Junction - multi electrode arrays (NMJ-MEA) – a novel drug high-throughput synapse activity functional screening device

Finding efficient treatments to neurodegenerative diseases and spinal cord injury has not yet been achieved and is an unmet and urgent medical need. Synapse disruption is key factor in these pathological situations. We propose to build a novel device capable to screen pharmacological agents’ effects on synapse function.
UNMET NEED
Lack of a screening system, capable to assess drug effect on synapse functionality.

OUR SOLUTION
Building the first functional synapse high-throughput system screen.
OUR PRODUCT
Multiwell compartmental primary co-culture platform together with a multi-electrode arrays (MEA) system that allow synapse functional screen, and a spatial separation of drug targeting between pre and post synaptic compartments

PATENTS
Provisional patent filed

ADVANTAGES

• The first real solution of high-throughput drug screen for synapse functionality.
• Fast and highly effective screen of multiplicity of pharmacological agents to sort out potential drugs for prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as:
  -Alzheimer
  -Parkinson
  -Huntington
  -ALS
  -Spinal cord injury
• Can be used in personalized medicine to identify the best treatment for the patients
• Can be used as a scientific tool in the basic research of synapse functionality.

DIFFERENTIATION
This is the first and unique device capable for conduct spatially separated drug screening for their effect on synapse functionality.
REFERENCES
1. Ionescu A et al 2016
2. Zahavi EE et al 2015
3. Sheinin et al 2015
4. Gross et al 2015