The OrganAID Team
Dr. Sandra Acosta, professor at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and researcher of the Institute of Neurosciences of the University of Barcelona (UBneuro), has co-founded the spin-off OrganAID Holdings, created jointly by the University of Barcelona (UB) and the Pompeu Fabra University (UPF).
OrganAID Holdings is a biotechnology spin-off that develops a cutting-edge drug-testing platform using brain organoids derived from patient cells, combined with artificial intelligence tools. These organoids (miniaturized, 3D cell cultures that reproduce key physiological features of human organs) allow researchers to analyze the efficacy and safety of experimental treatments in a highly precise and patient-specific way.
By integrating an AI-powered predictive system trained on a large database of brain organoid images, the company can assess the neurological toxicity and therapeutic potential of new compounds, helping to accelerate the development of treatments for neurological disorders without current cures.
Beyond neuroscience, the versatility of OrganAID’s technology makes it applicable to genetic and oncological diseases as well. The team is already exploring new projects focused on colon and brain cancer, leveraging organoids’ ability to model complex tissues and provide valuable insights for innovative therapies.
The project builds on years of pioneering research in neuroscience and cellular modeling, and represents a significant step towards personalized and predictive medicine. Through this initiative, Dr. Acosta and her team seek to accelerate the development of safer and more effective treatments while reducing reliance on animal testing.
A multidisciplinary founding team
The founding team of OrganAID Holdings brings together diverse professional backgrounds, combining scientific excellence with business expertise.
Dr. Sandra Acosta is a professor at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Barcelona, an associate scientist at Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and the Pasqual Maragall Foundation, with more than fifteen years of experience in in vitro modeling of neurological disorders, specializing in neurodegeneration, genomics, and organoids.
On the business side, Víctor Bañares, CEO of OrganAID Holdings, has an extensive and remarkable career as co-founder of Vueling Airlines and Iryo Alta Velocidad, where he played a key role in the strategic and innovative growth of these organizations. Toni Villar, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), brings strong experience in team leadership and business development in international companies such as BNP Paribas, Tradisa, Kuehne+Nagel, and ID Logistics.
Finally, Dr. Òscar Lao, scientist at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and professor at ESCI-UPF, contributes his expertise as a bioinformatician and geneticist, with over twenty years of experience developing tools for understanding human genetics.
