Munich's 3D brain tissue model recreates key Alzheimer's interactions for drug testing

Researchers created a 3D model of human brain tissue that replicates key Alzheimer's interactions, potentially accelerating drug development. Made from stem cells, the tissue contains neurons, astrocytes, and microglia, forming spheroids with functional connections. The team induced Alzheimer's amyloid aggregates and dissolved them using existing drugs. Developed over nine years and reported in Nature Neuroscience, the reproducible system can be modified externally; researchers are automating production for industrial-scale drug testing.