GSK, University of Oxford and Imperial College London have launched a new research hub designed to create advanced computer models of human organs and diseases. The initiative aims to improve scientific understanding of disease and speed up the development of new medicines.

The project is called the Modelling-Informed Medicine Centre (MiMeC). It will build detailed digital simulations, often called “digital twins,” of organs such as the lungs, liver, kidneys and cartilage. These models will help researchers study how diseases develop and how potential treatments might work.

Scientists say these simulations can allow researchers to run experiments on computers rather than relying only on laboratory testing. Consequently, the approach could reduce the time and cost required to develop new medicines.

💻 Digital Twins Could Transform Drug Discovery

Digital twins are virtual models that replicate how real biological systems function. By using mathematical modelling and data analysis, scientists can simulate how organs behave under different conditions.

Researchers believe this technology could transform how scientists study disease. For example, digital models may allow scientists to predict how a drug affects a specific organ before it reaches clinical trials.

Therefore, the new centre aims to bring together expertise in mathematics, biology, data science and laboratory research. The goal is to improve the accuracy of disease modelling and support more precise medicine development.

💷 £11 Million Investment Supports Collaboration

The centre is backed by £11 million in funding from GSK. The partnership combines academic research from Oxford and Imperial with industry expertise from the pharmaceutical company.

The collaboration will also train a new generation of scientists who specialize in modelling-informed medicine. These researchers will learn how to combine experimental data with computer modelling to study complex diseases.

In addition, the project plans to share its digital models as open-source tools. This approach will allow other scientists and institutions to use the models and contribute new data or improvements.

🔬 Models Expected to Support Future Treatments

Researchers involved in the initiative believe the technology could eventually improve how new drugs and vaccines are designed. By modelling how diseases affect organs, scientists may identify better treatment targets.

The partners also expect the research to support the pharmaceutical industry. GSK plans to incorporate organ models into its drug development pipeline within the next five years.

Scientists say the approach could help identify promising medicines earlier in the research process. Consequently, it may increase the chances that experimental drugs succeed in clinical trials.

The programme is led by Professor Helen Byrne and Professor Philip Maini from Oxford, Professor Steven Niederer from Imperial College London, and Dr Anna Sher from GSK.