Roger D. Kamm
Depts. of Biological Engineering and Mechanical Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Recent interest in the delivery of therapeutics to the brain has dramatically increased with the advent of new antigen drug conjugates (ADC) and other targeted delivery modalities for the treatment of dementias and glioblastoma. In addition, subcutaneous delivery has been found to be an effective mode of ADC delivery, but the bioavailability in humans has been difficult to predict. These two factors have driven an increased interest in human cell-based in vitro models for screening novel delivery modalities and to gain mechanistic insight into the factors that control either entry into the brain or systemic bioavailability of subcutaneously delivered drugs. In this presentation I will present models specifically developed for both applications and the potential for iPS cell-derived systems. The benefits and current limitations of these models will also be addressed with the goal of stimulating an active discussion.
Kamm is the Cecil and Ida Green Distinguished Professor of Biological and Mechanical Engineering at M.I.T. His research has focused on problems at the interface of biology and mechanics, formerly in cell and molecular mechanics, and now in engineered living systems. Current interests are in developing models of healthy and diseased organ function using microfluidic technologies, with a focus on vascularization. Kamm is a member of the National Academies of Medicine and Engineering. He is co-founder of AIM Biotech, a manufacturer of microfluidic systems for 3D culture.