UK biotech Myomaker Bio has developed lab-grown human neuromuscular junctions designed to support drug discovery research in motor neurone disease.

Human neuromuscular junctions modelled in the lab

The London-based biotechnology company has developed models in which human motor neurones are grown alongside engineered human muscle, allowing the cells to form functional neuromuscular junctions.

The neuromuscular junction is the point where a motor neurone communicates with muscle to control movement. In motor neurone disease (MND), degeneration of motor neurones disrupts this connection, contributing to progressive muscle weakness.

Myomaker Bio says its models allow researchers to investigate changes at the motor neurone–muscle interface and assess how potential treatments affect neuromuscular function.

Prof Mark Lewis, CEO and co-founder of Myomaker Bio, said: “Our models are designed to show whether a therapy genuinely protects the motor neurone–muscle interface; the earliest and most actionable point in MND.”

The company is developing the models as preclinical tools for studying MND and other neuromuscular diseases. Its existing engineered human muscle models include systems designed to investigate muscle injury and repair and muscle atrophy.

Platform aims to support MND drug screening

MND affects around 5,000 people in the UK and has limited treatment options. Riluzole is licensed in the UK to slow disease progression, while research into new treatments has included numerous clinical trials.

Myomaker Bio’s approach is intended to provide researchers with a human neuromuscular model in which disease-related changes can be studied before potential therapies progress further through development.

Chief scientific officer Dr Andrew Capel said: “Our human muscle models allow MND researchers to see the exact point where the disease begins, the breakdown of the motor-neurone–muscle connection and the effects of disease progression on contractile function.”

The company is expanding its portfolio of neuromuscular assays and says its models could eventually be used to assess larger numbers of experimental drugs for their effects on neuromuscular junction stability and muscle function.

Human models for neuromuscular research

Myomaker Bio is also developing new cellular models for muscular dystrophy and builds neuromuscular tissue for industry partners.

The company was spun out from Loughborough University and recently secured £325,000 in investment from SFC Capital to expand its scientific team, increase production of its human muscle models and develop commercial partnerships.

The development comes as UK researchers and policymakers continue to seek improved laboratory models to support MND drug development. Government funding has included a £50 million commitment to MND research announced in 2022, with a focus on translating promising research into clinical development.

Myomaker Bio is now seeking collaborations with biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical companies and research groups to develop further neuromuscular assays for drug discovery.