An ‘in silico’ (computer simulated) model of the human body that will enable simulation of the effects of drugs and treatments on the human body is being developed by the University of Sheffield-based Insigneo Institute.
An Institute founded one year ago at the University of Sheffield is showcasing the first phase of technology that will lead to the creation of a virtual human body and revolutionise global healthcare.
The Insigneo Institute at the University of Sheffield has the objective of creating an in silico (computer simulated) replica of the human body that will enable the virtual testing of bespoke treatments. When complete, the Virtual Physiological Human will transform the economics and practicalities of modern medical treatment and medical research.
The Virtual Physiological Human (VPH) programme is backed by European Commission funding. Since 2007, approaching €220 million of EC funding has been targeted at collaborative in silico projects across Europe.
The VPH will enable collaborative investigation of the human body as a single complex system using integrated computer models of the mechanical, physical and biochemical functions of a living human body. The VPH will eventually lead to a better healthcare system, offering personalised care solutions, a more holistic approach to medicine and a preventative approach to treatment of disease. In time it will lead to treatment that sees the body as a single multi organ system rather than as a collection of individual organs.
“What we’re working on here will be vital to the future of healthcare”, said Dr Keith McCormack, who leads business development at the Institute. “Pressures are mounting on health and treatment resources worldwide. Candidly, without in silico medicine, organisations like the NHS will be unable to cope with demand. The Virtual Physiological Human will act as a software-based laboratory for experimentation and treatment that will save huge amounts of time and money and lead to vastly superior treatment outcomes.”
The Insigneo Institute for in silico Medicine is a collaborative initiative between the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.