AbbVie Immunology Discovery is developing complex, human-specific in vitro models to improve drug discovery for immunological diseases. Despite the availability of effective treatments, achieving long-term remission in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, IBD, and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) remains difficult. This is due to disease heterogeneity, poor translatability of animal models, unreliable biomarkers, and environmental influences.
To tackle these challenges, the team integrates multimodal patient data, including samples from naïve, treated, and non-responsive patients to inform the creation of disease models that better mimic human biology. HS is used as a case study, highlighting the need for novel human models because animal models are inadequate for this disease. HS involves cycles of inflammation, immune cell infiltration, and tissue destruction, which are hard to replicate in traditional systems.
Advanced platforms from companies like Mimetas, Aracari, and Emulate are used to recreate key disease mechanisms. These include epidermal barrier function, angiogenesis, immune cell migration, and sensory neuron involvement. The models allow researchers to test therapeutic hypotheses that target multiple pathways, not just inflammation.
Large datasets are generated and analysed using AI to identify key cell types and mechanisms. This helps refine the models and benchmark drug responses, such as the effects of anti-inflammatory agents like JAK inhibitors.
These complex in vitro models are promising but they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Rigorous validation and collaboration with external partners are essential. The ultimate goal is to create robust, reproducible models that accelerate the translation of new therapies into clinical development, addressing unmet needs in chronic immunological diseases.
