Edison

Edison’s biology discovery strategy is based on the use of cellular models of human energy metabolism to both identify and optimize drugs. While seeming straightforward, the development of cell models that recapitulate human energy metabolism is fraught with challenge. Primary cell lines derived from humans change the metabolic pathways they use to derive energy when placed in a laboratory setting. Specifically, cells in culture with lower energy needs appear to reduce energy generation by electron transport and increase energy generation through glycolysis. This same phenomenon has been observed in other biology disciplines. In cancer biology it is termed the Warburg effect, in human disease– type B lactic acidosis, and in hibernating species– metabolic arrest. The company has developed methodology to prevent human cells from triggering this switch in cell culture.