“ObFAT-3D”, 3D organoids of human origin to mimic obese adipose tissue
Dr Vincent dani, CEO, co-founder (ExAdEx-Innov) & Dr Luigi Formicola, COO, co-founder (ExAdEx-Innov)
“ObFAT-3D”
DVES Prize 202
Jury’s Prize category : Forward-looking project
Aimed at encouraging promising research and/or a team in terms of the quality, originality and exceptional ambition of its work.
Image credits : Comité scientifique Pro Anima / Axel Coquemon
Project summary
This project is developing in vitro 3D models using human adipose tissue from surgery to recreate tissue similar to that of obese patients. This patented technology faithfully reproduces the physiopathological responses of adipose tissue, offering an ethical and effective alternative to animal experimentation.
The ObFAT-3Dmodels provide a better understanding of obesity and metabolic diseases, while improving the success rates of clinical trials thanks to directly exploitable human data. This project represents a major step forward in reducing the use of animals in biomedical and dermocosmetic research.
Image credits : ExAdEx-Innov
Key advantages
- Generate clinically relevant human data from the preclinical in vitro phase
- Ethical alternative to animal experimentation
- Preserves the physio-pathological characteristics of the donor
Aims
- To characterise the minimal molecular and functional signatures of visceral fat in obese patients using transcriptomic approaches and functional analysis.
- To generate the first clinically relevant in vitro adipose tissue model capable of mimicking visceral fat in obese patients.
Timeline
- Molecular and functional signature of visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue derived from obese patients
- Induction of a pathological model mimicking the signature obtained from the visceral tissue of obese patients using ExAdEx tissue technology.
Laureates’ bio
Vincent Dani is co-founder of the French start-up ExAdEx-Innov, which develops innovative, patented technologies based on human adipose tissue. In addition to his skills as a deeptech entrepreneur, Vincent has a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the Université Côte d’Azur and training in clinical research management (CRA training at the Faculté de Médecine de La Timone, Marseille).
Luigi Formicola is the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer ofExAdEx-Innov. With a PhD in cell biology, he has over ten years’ experience in managing research projects and technology transfer in the biotechnology sector, as well as in drug development. He has witnessed developments in preclinical research and the emergence of alternative solutions aimed at reducing the need for animal experimentation while improving the predictability of clinical trials.
