B-LIVER
THE BRUSSELS LIVER RESEARCH TO VALORISATION CONSORTIUM
The Brussels Liver Research to Valorisation Consortium unites the liver cell biology, pathology and toxicology expertise of Vrije Universiteit Brussels’ IVTD and LIVR research groups. B-Liver’s mission is primarily grounded in established models and technology, but also extends into higher-risk emerging innovations towards liver modelling, toxicity prediction and therapeutic strategies in liver disease. An key goal is developing in vitro liver models, adhering to the 3Rs principle (Reduction, Replacement, Refinement) to minimize animal use in research and testing.
EXPERTISE
The B-LIVER Consortium consolidates 30+ years of expertise in liver cell biology, pathology and toxicology. In addition to maintaining a robust network of scientific connections within academic institutions and regulatory bodies, B-LIVER team members are also actively engaged in multiple valorisation trajectories covering their various research projects through partnerships with key industrial partners.
Ongoing activities are grouped into 3 strategic clusters:
• Innovative Therapeutics (fatty liver disease, fibrosis, inflammatory diseases, inherited metabolic disorders).
• Next Generation Risk Assessment (Drug-Induced Liver Injury, Hazard-to-Risk Translation, conventional and advanced in vitro liver models).
• Stakeholder Engagement (dissemination, education, partnership building).
CONTACT
In Vitro Toxicology & DermatoCosmetology
Vrije Universiteit Brussel / Building G Laarbeeklaan 103 1090 Brussel
Tamara Vanhaecke
Coordinator B-Liver / Head IVTD Tamara.Vanhaecke@vub.be
Leo Van Grunsven Head LIVR
Leo.van.Grunsven@vub.be
Freddy Van Goethem
Valorisation Manager B-LIVER
Freddy.Van.Goethem@vub.be
SERVICES OFFERED
• Possibility to collaborate on innovative liver-based research projects.
• In vitro toxicity testing applying conventional and advanced liver models.
• Genetic reprogramming of somatic cells in induced hepatocytes (iHeps).
• In vitro disease modelling (fatty liver, metabolic dysfunctionassociated steatohepatitis, fibrosis).
• Liver biology and toxicology consultancy.
• Public health and consumer safety consultancy.
• 3R alternative technologies and dissemination platforms.
WHY CALL UPON US
• Comprehensive knowledge portfolio was built over several decades regarding the development and optimization of liverbased in vitro systems.
• Expert advice & consultancy on in vitro experimental toxicology, stem cell technologies and animal-free chemical safety assessment.
• Scientific collaboration in the field of toxicology, liver cell biology and pathology research.
2 patent applications
