A U.S. biotech company named Bexorg has introduced an innovative system called BrainEx, which allows human brain tissue to remain metabolically active for as long as 24 hours post-mortem. This system employs an artificial circulation mechanism that pumps oxygen and a blood substitute through the brain’s vessels, while anesthetics are used to suppress any electrical activity, ensuring that the brain does not experience consciousness during this period. This unique method keeps the brain in a state that is neither fully alive nor dead, yet still functional at a metabolic level.
Researchers can utilize this platform to observe in real-time how potential treatments for conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and ALS interact with brain tissue. So far, Bexorg has conducted experiments involving over 700 human brains.
Zvonimir Vrselja, the CEO of Bexorg, highlights the importance of using donor brains, as they retain the unique genetic makeup and environmental influences of the individual, something that cannot be replicated in animal models. Currently, a staggering 95–99% of drugs targeting the central nervous system do not succeed in clinical trials, primarily due to the significant differences between human and mouse brains.
The company is also developing artificial intelligence models based on the data gathered, with the potential for these algorithms to assess drug candidates on a digital replica of human brain tissue before any real-world testing occurs. This advancement aims to not only speed up the research process but also facilitate the quicker introduction of new medications to the market.
As for the ethical implications of these experiments, opinions are divided: some argue that they hold the potential to save lives, while others believe they violate natural laws.
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