Anatomic co-founders aim to provide rapid production of neurons for academic researchers and pharmaceutical developers – they shared their journal
paper describing breakthrough in producing neurons from stem cells.
New work published in the scientific journal Stem Cells by investigators from the Stem Cell Institute at the University of Minnesota describes a scientific breakthrough that could help accelerate development of new treatments for neurological conditions.
Using the new method, unlimited numbers of neurons can be rapidly produced, weeks faster than before, which provides numerous advantages to cell manufacturers looking to deliver this critical cell type to academic researchers and drug developers.
The publication also describes accelerated “patterning” of this rapidly-manufactured ectoderm, which can quickly direct these cells to begin forming very specific neurons from either the brain or spinal cord. These patterns include neurons involved in Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, and chronic pain.
Hoping to capitalize on this practical advantage, co-authors turned co-founders Patrick Walsh and Vincent Truong launched Anatomic (formerly Anatomi), a company purpose-built to develop and commercialize new manufacturing methods using the technology, “Our goal with developing this technology for the market is to rebuild the field in our own image,” said Patrick Walsh, CEO
To make the leap from scientists to entrepreneurs, Vince and Patrick tapped into several resources to give Anatomic the best chances for success.
- Utilized University of Minnesota resources including the Venture Center’s Discovery Launchpad
- Enrolled in one of the nation’s top part-time MBA programs at the Carlson School of Management
- Leveraged the infrastructure provided by the University of Minnesota Stem Cell Institute‘s Stem Cell Business Incubator
“Anatomic’s growth has been remarkable, particularly given the uncertainty of the pandemic,” says Russ Straate, Associate Director, University of Minnesota Venture Center.
Read the full article in December 2020 EurekAlert!. Copyright ©2021 by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
For more information about the scientific basis of Anatomic technologies, read their breakthrough publication.
We are proud to have Anatomic, Inc as a member of the UEL family of companies, and we look forward to seeing the contributions they make to the future of health care innovation and research.