FYI - For Your Innovation Replacing Animal Testing: Organoids And AI With Thomas Hartung
Jan 23, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Thomas Hartung, a leading expert in biomedical innovation from Johns Hopkins and Georgetown, shares his vision for replacing animal testing with human organoids. He reveals how these 3D organ models and AI are transforming drug discovery, enhancing safety, and cutting costs. The conversation touches on the ethical implications of using organoids in cognitive tasks and the rapid advancements made during the COVID-19 vaccine development. Hartung also speculates on the future of brain organoids in studying diseases like autism and Alzheimer's.
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History of Animal Testing
- Animal testing has been the primary method for drug discovery since the 1920s due to a lack of alternatives.
- Other methods like computer modeling only became viable much later.
New Drug Testing Tools
- The development of AI and microphysiological systems (MPS) are revolutionizing drug testing.
- Stem cell technology and microfluidics enable more accurate human organ models.
COVID-19 Vaccine Development
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine development was drastically accelerated by skipping animal testing phases.
- Nine successful vaccines were developed within a year, demonstrating the potential for faster drug development.