An integrated upper GI model of digestion and absorption - the commercial 'Holy Grail'

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Modelling the processes of digestion, nutrient uptake and drug absorption in the laboratory reduces the need to carry out expensive and controversial studies in animals and humans. We aim to develop a fully integrated lab model of digestion and absorption to screen and develop new drugs and health interventions. The commercial need in the pharmaceutical industry for this model has been identified during a BBSRC Enterprise Fellowship and validated through independent market research funded by a BBSRC Pathfinder award, and we have applied for a patent of this technology. This integrated model has been described as the 'Holy Grail' and would allow food and pharmaceutical companies to carry out affordable screening and development studies to inform product development and drug discovery. This would significantly reduce the high costs of drug development. Furthermore an effective, validated model of digestion would reduce the need for a great number of animal studies.