A center for translation of predictive models

So, you’ve got a great idea for a research project that focuses on the development of advanced in vitro models that might reduce or replace animal experimentation. What now? Where can you get help to develop it? How do you move your concept into a validated model, or vice versa, how do you find someone who can use your model in their experiments? And how can you increase the market potential of your fantastic discovery. Welcome to the Utrecht Advanced In Vitro Models hub (UAIM), where we focus on improving in vitro models as an alternative for animal experimentation.

One-stop shop

The UAIM Hub is the go-to place for researchers with questions about how to develop a scientific idea in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, and ultimately move it to the market. “We’re bridging current demands from society with innovative discoveries from our scientists,” describes Roos Masereeuw, Utrecht University, who is coordinating the hub together with Jos Malda, UMC Utrecht and Utrecht University.

UAIM focuses on advanced animal-free (in vitro) models with high scientific and/or clinical predictive value, and an added benefit of such models may be the significant reduction in the numbers of animals needed for experimentation or regulatory requirements. Comprised of more than 30 groups from academia, government, industry and patient organisations, UAIM already has about 30 different models in its growing portfolio, which include applications for diagnostics, understanding disease and drug development, safety of compounds, ex vivo production, pharmacokinetics and animal health.

Open invitation for industry

In the above context, UAIM will facilitate, connect and educate engaged stakeholders along the entire expertise spectrum of development, validation, acceptance, valorisation, implementation and policy change. “We see that researchers often don’t know how to translate or implement their research ideas into tangible products on the market,” explains Jos, “They don’t always know how to make their idea or discovery useful for industry.” UAIM will connect researchers with for instance experts of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) for help with aspects including research development or regulatory requirements.

We’re bridging current demands from society with innovative discoveries from our scientists

“On the other hand,” adds Roos, “people looking for a certain model can contact the hub, and we’ll connect them with someone who has, or can develop what they need.” UAIM is thus not only a rich resource for Utrecht researchers, collaborators and partners, but also offers an open invitation for industry looking for solutions to their research questions.

The speed of new predictive model development is astonishing and Roos and Jos agree that even though Utrecht has all the essential components, we’re not taking full advantage of the potential of these technologies, simply because of the lack of awareness and organisation. This is why the UAIM hub is setting up a front office, with a Scientific Program Officer (Damiën van Berlo started 1 December) and staff, and welcomes all researchers and stakeholders to drop by and discover how to find their way to the market.

Jos Malda
Professor of Biofabrication in Translational Regenerative Medicine
Orthopaedics
UMC Utrecht

Roos Masereeuw
Professor of Experimental Pharmacology
Faculty of Science
Utrecht University