Ivan Nyarko-Danquah
Postdoctoral Fellow Sanofi
Ivan Nyarko-Danquah is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Sanofi, where his research focuses on TDP-43 pathology in astrocytes and its role in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). His work leverages human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived in vitro models to investigate cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous mechanisms contributing to TDP-43 dysfunction and neurodegeneration.
Ivan earned his PhD in Pharmacology & Toxicology, where his doctoral research centered on elucidating protective mechanisms against manganese-induced neurotoxicity. He also earned a master’s degree in clinical pharmacology and is a pharmacist by training. His multidisciplinary background spans translational neuroscience, mechanistic toxicology, and disease-relevant cellular modeling, supporting therapeutic discovery efforts targeting ALS and related neurodegenerative disorders.
Seminars
This workshop will explore the latest in vitro tools and model systems used to advance ALS drug discovery and target validation. Participants will discuss how human-derived cell models, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and advanced 3D neuronal cultures are being leveraged to study disease mechanisms, screen therapeutic candidates, and identify biomarkers. The session will highlight best practices for experimental design, reproducibility, and translational relevance, as well as emerging technologies that enhance the predictive power of in vitro studies. Attendees will gain practical insights into selecting and applying these tools to accelerate ALS research and development.
Key Discussion Points
- Overview of current in vitro models used in ALS research, including iPSC-derived motor neurons and glial co-cultures
- Strategies for using in vitro systems to validate targets, test small molecules, genetic therapies, and combination approaches
- Approaches to improve reproducibility, scalability, and translational relevance in ALS in vitro studies
- Emerging technologies and high-content screening platforms to accelerate discovery and preclinical testing
