DTMT Network

The Center for Contemporary Sciences (CCS) the US-based scientific think thank and bridge builder, advocating and facilitating a shift toward biomedical research methods that are based on human biology, and BICO, a bio convergence company formalised a strategic partnership aiming at modernising drug development and replacing animal testing with more human-relevant methods, a statement released by the company said.

CCS said that the two organisations will work closely to support the FDA Modernization Act of 2021 and combine efforts on other initiatives to improve human health and advance personalized medicine.

The FDA Modernisation Act of 2021, which was introduced in the Senate in October 2021 seeks to amend the 1938 Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act by allowing innovative, human-relevant testing methods to be used instead of artificial animal models, when suitable, in evaluating the safety and efficacy of experimental drugs and will accelerate the discovery process, stimulate innovation, and lower the costs of new life-saving treatments, the statement added.

CCS expects that the combined efforts of BICO and CCS will bolster the development and use of human-relevant technologies that include sophisticated tissue models, 3D bioprinting, Organ Chips, and microfluidics platforms.

 “BICO is exactly the kind of company that CCS is excited to partner with,” said CCS CEO and Co-founder Dr Aysha Akhtar.

“BICO looks to the future in human health. They aren’t afraid to stand up to the status quo and say we can do much better. Together, CCS and BICO will make a powerful team that will significantly improve the way we conduct medical research and find drugs that truly help patients,” she added.

“This strategic partnership will improve policy and advance biomedical research,” CCS Chief Science Officer, Dr Zaher Nahle added.

“The Center for Contemporary Sciences will be a key ally in our efforts to help pass the FDA Modernisation Act,” explained Erik Gatenholm, CEO and co-founder at BICO.

“Aysha and her team bring decades of experience in science, medicine, and policy to help develop and advance human-relevant technologies that drive positive change in the industry,” he added.