The Boston, MA-based company’s Alveolus Lung-Chip enables scientists to develop more representative understandings of disease processes and drug responses.

MDDI Staff

December 8, 2020

1 Min Read
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Emulate said its Alveolus Lung-Chip is being used by the U.S. Army to understand how the SARS-CoV-2 virus interacts with lung cells. 

The Boston, MA-based company’s Alveolus Lung-Chip combines primary human alveolar epithelial cells with primary human microvascular lung endothelial cells. Cells are seeded onto the chips which have been coated with extracellular matrix. A mechanical strain is applied and then air is introduced into the epithelial cell channel.

This creates a microenvironment that maintains phenotype and functionality of the endothelial and epithelial cells enabling scientists to develop more representative understandings of disease processes and drug responses. 

"Historically technologies for in vitro modeling have been slow to innovate, contributing to a high failure rate in drug development and a limited understanding of human physiological response," Jim Corbett, CEO of Emulate, said in a release. "Advanced in vitro models, such as Organ-Chips from Emulate, are showcasing more predictive outcomes than 2-D modeling and animal studies. We are excited the Army is embracing these new technological advances and applying them toward understanding SARS-CoV-2 viral infection and taking critical steps to impact this global health crisis."

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