Bioelectronic technology company Cellames announced on the 13th that it is actively seeking partners to advance animal alternative testing methods that can replace animals sacrificed in animal experiments.
Cellames developed CFPS-32, a system that can evaluate cardiotoxicity through local field potential (LFP) measurement of cells. This system uses engineered cardiac organoid cells instead of actual animal hearts to perform drug toxicity evaluation and activity rate analysis.
In this regard, Cellames secured approximately 1.5 billion KRW in research and development funding through the ‘Super Gap Startup 1000+ Project’ led by the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development and involving the Safety Evaluation Research Institute, as well as the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy’s ‘Materials and Components Technology Development Project.’
With the funds secured, Cellames plans to further advance cardiotoxicity evaluation technology by actively seeking partners such as companies with technology to mass-produce these cells and contract research organizations (CROs) capable of evaluating cell toxicity.
Animal alternative testing methods have recently gained attention as preclinical cardiotoxicity evaluation using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) has been recommended in guidelines by the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH). In line with this, the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has also established guidelines for cardiotoxicity evaluation, and related discussions are taking place in the National Assembly.
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