#Japan #Tokyo #Sony Semiconductor #SCREEN Holdings #VitroVo Inc.

An Innovative Collaboration for Cellular Research

In a groundbreaking development in cellular research, Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation, SCREEN Holdings Co., Ltd., and VitroVo Inc. proudly announce the trial offer of their newly developed microelectrode array (MEA) system. This innovative system utilizes a high-density CMOS-MEA technology, which incorporates approximately 237,000 electrodes. The aim of this endeavor is to enhance the measurement and visualization of cellular activity, especially in the realms of neuronal and cardiac diseases, as well as facilitating drug discovery processes.

Advancements in Drug Research and Evaluation

The joint initiative comes in response to the burgeoning demand for more precise drug effectiveness assessments and safety evaluations, particularly in the field of nonclinical testing. Researchers are increasingly seeking technologies that can replicate human-specific responses without relying on animal testing. The capability to analyze compound effects using advanced technologies such as organoids and human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived nerve cells represents a transformative leap in drug research.

The collaboration between the companies involved, along with the Tohoku Institute of Technology, underscores their commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary drug research methodologies. By providing high-density cellular activity data, the system facilitates an improved understanding of the variances between diseased and healthy cells. Specifically, through the utilization of Sony's high-density CMOS-MEA technology, researchers can now observe the extracellular electrical potential generated by neuronal activity on a single-cell level.

Key Features of the MEA System

The MEA system presents robust capabilities designed for detailed cellular analysis:

• - High-Density Electrode Array: Equipped with 237,000 electrodes, the system features a compact design that allows real-time monitoring of cellular activity, culminating in a wealth of data previously unattainable.
• - Improved Data Output: The system provides image data that effectively visualizes cellular activity, enabling quicker interpretation of results—for example, showcasing cell firing frequencies derived from electrical potentials.
• - User-Friendly Interface: With optimized algorithms developed by VitroVo, the system features analysis software that enhances operability and allows users to quickly access necessary data to bolster their research activities.

Implications for Disease Research and Drug Development

With this high-density MEA system, the potential for significant impact in various research areas is considerable. This technology stands at the forefront of investigation into mental health disorders, including depression and schizophrenia, as well as other neurological conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Alzheimer's disease. The capacity to conduct innovative research using this MEA system distinctly positions it as a game-changer in the pharmaceutical landscape, enabling more refined drug efficacy evaluations and risk assessments based on human cellular activity.

Trial Offer and Future Aspirations

To verify its efficacy and develop the technology further ahead of a broader commercial rollout, the three partner companies will provide the MEA system on a trial basis to selected firms and research institutions engaged in drug development. SCREEN will facilitate the system's delivery, while VitroVo will offer critical support through consultations regarding cell culture and custom data analyses. Moreover, VitroVo will initiate contract research services tailored to the needs of users aiming to validate the efficacy of the MEA system.

This collaborative endeavor strives to not only accelerate the system's development but also to gather invaluable feedback, ensuring that the final product meets the high expectations of the research community. Ultimately, the vision for this high-density MEA technology is to redefine the standards of cellular analysis and drug discovery methodologies moving forward.

CMOS-MEA Technology Overview

CMOS-MEA stands for a technology that employs complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor structures coupled with microelectrode arrays to achieve the real-time measurement of cellular electrical activities. Positioned strategically within research and clinical applications, this technology is predicated on the continuous escalation of monitoring capabilities, promising far-reaching implications across fields such as biomedical science, medicine, and pharmacology. With such advancements on the horizon, the future of drug discovery looks both promising and revolutionary, fueled by the synergy of innovative technologies and collaborative expertise.