I-Corps Proposal for Commercialization of Live Cell Assays to Identify and Interrogate Stressed Neurons in Models of Neurodegenerative Disease

SUMMARY ABSTRACT The goal of our predicate SBIR Phase I award is to develop genetically encoded fluorescent assays to detect cell stress in models of neurodegenerationTypically this degeneration is studied by counting dead cellsin animal or cellular models of the diseasewhich is an insensitive measurement of chronicslowcellular stressOur goal is to create genetically encodedfluorescent biosensors that light up livingstressed cells long before they are destined to diegiving scientists sensitive new tools to identify and potentially rescue stressed neuronsOur aim is to create cell stress based assays that can be adopted into neurodegenerative research and drug development platformsTo successfully bring these assays to market a thorough understanding of the customer s unmet needs are crucialThe I Corps program will provide unique training and customer interactions that will greatly enhance our ability to successfully bring these products to marketOur current strategies for commercialization will be focused on developing multiple platforms for assay deploymentFor examplethe assay will be delivered in viral vectors as well as made available for stable cell line production and integration into animal models of neurodegenerationThe I Corps program would grant us a deeper understanding of our current marketplacethe needs of our customersand strategies to implement our commercialization planUpon completion of the I Corps program our commercialization strategy will be reevaluated and modified based on customer feedback and strategies learned during the program PROJECT NARRATIVE Parkinson s diseaseas well as Huntington sALSand Alzheimer s are all diseases that involve slow neurodegeneration occurring over many yearsOur goal is to create a genetically encodedfluorescent biosensors that light up stressed cells long before they are destined to diegiving scientists sensitive new tools to identify and potentially rescue stressed neuronsOur aim during the I Corp program is to determine the best strategies to bring our new assays for neurodegeneration to the market and determine the best strategy to meet the unmet needs of potential customers and end users