Lutèce Dynamics, a spin-off revolutionising biomedical imaging

World-Unique microscopic imaging technology

The core technology behind Lutèce Dynamics is a biochemical labelling-free microscopy module that allows for the visualization of cells while simultaneously monitoring their metabolic activity and overall health—without the need for staining. This groundbreaking technology, known as dynamic full-field optical coherence tomography, forms the foundation of the company's product.

The optics integrated into the module are compatible with any commercial microscope and can easily integrate with the state-of-the-art technologies already employed in research laboratories. This system enables longitudinal monitoring of cell metabolism and health, providing insights without the use of labels or causing any degradation to the cells. Non-invasive and highly precise, it allows for up to two months of continuous observation of individual cells over time. This makes it especially valuable for applications such as cell transplantation or molecular screening, where functionality quantification is crucial. Additionally, the system comes with automated analysis software, providing a 4D view of tissues in real-time. The technology developed by Lutèce Dynamics is driven by the principle of "no more waste"—it drastically reduces both costs and CO2 emissions in disease modeling studies, cutting sample usage by up to 90%. 

A breakthrough innovation for personalized medicine

The technology has been validated on organoids derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These organoids serve as avatars for human organs, grown in the lab to replicate tissues such as heart, kidney, liver, mini-brains, and retinas. By starting with a simple skin or blood sample from a patient with a hereditary condition, these 3D models can accurately reproduce the pathophysiological characteristics of the individual. The potential of this tissue imaging technology was particularly demonstrated at the Institut de la Vision using retinal organoids. These organoids are especially valuable for studying rare diseases, where therapeutic options are often limited. For instance, they enable highly precise modeling of retinal dystrophies and the testing of new drugs on models that closely mirror human conditions, all while minimizing costs and reducing the need for patient samples.

The ability to observe and monitor organoids in real-time with this innovative microscopy module significantly accelerates research and drug validation processes. The functional analysis of cells opens new avenues for evaluating therapeutic treatments with unprecedented precision. While the technology was initially developed for organoids, it can be applied to any type of tissue, particularly those used in grafting or cell therapy.

The Institut de la Vision: a key player in biomedical innovation

The founding of Lutèce Dynamics is part of a broader strategy by the Institut de la Vision to accelerate the translation of groundbreaking innovations into patient care and foster collaboration with the private sector to maximize the impact of its research. By actively promoting and supporting the creation of spin-offs, the Institute empowers its researchers to bring their discoveries to life through companies that can scale these innovations. This culture of applied innovation has already led to the successful launch of 14 biotech start-ups, including notable companies like GenSight Biologics and SparingVision, both specializing in the development of gene therapies.