Frontier Bio announced a groundbreaking achievement in lab-grown lung tissue. By combining 3D bioprinting with stem cells’ ability to self-assemble, mimicking natural organ development, the company has created complex microscale lung tissue. This innovation paves the way for advancements in treating respiratory diseases and organ transplantation.
Animal testing is used in preclinical drug development but often fails to accurately represent human biology, leading to high failure rates in human trials. And Frontier Bio is developing lab-grown human lung tissue as an alternative, offering a more accurate model for drug development and increasing the likelihood of successful translation to clinical use.
Frontier Bio’s lung models are produced with a mixture of cells found in the lung, including stem cells. These are combined with a proprietary blend of biomaterials. Then, the tissue geometry is processed using Frontier Bio’s bioprinting hardware. Plus, Frontier Bio developed methods to induce natural self-assembly processes to drive the cells to organize themselves into the complex microtissue architecture of the distal lung, including bronchioles and alveolar air sacs.
Frontier Bio’s technology is unique because it harnesses the power of the stem cell to differentiate and self-assemble into complex microtissue architecture. Its distal lung model develops bronchioles, alveolar air sacs, and beating cilia (tiny hair-like structures that keep natural airways clean) and produces both mucus and surfactant found in natural lung tissue.
Lab-grown lung models provide a platform for studying diseases like lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, COPD, and COVID-19, aiding in the development of new treatments in this $70 billion market. The technology also offers a foundation for creating tissues and organs for transplantation. Over 34 million people suffer from chronic lung diseases in the US, and there is a great need for replacement lung tissue.
Frontier Bio’s approach has broad applications across various tissues and organs. And the company is now actively seeking partnerships to advance therapeutic and regenerative medicine applications of its technology.
KEY QUOTES:
“There is an urgent need for more accurate models of lung tissue that allow us to test new therapeutics more effectively than with current methods.”
-Victoria-Elisabeth Gruber, Head of Translational Research at Frontier Bio
“This could fundamentally change the landscape of lung transplants, giving hope to thousands of patients waiting for lifesaving treatment.”
-Eric Bennett, CEO of Frontier Bio
“Frontier Bio is doing more than just creating lab-grown human tissues. They’re paving the way for a future where organ donors are no longer needed, and animal testing is a thing of the past.”
-George Church, pioneering geneticist and advisor to Frontier Bio
