Development of a Systems Pharmacology Model

ABSTRACT

Studying the pharmacological effects of drugs injected into the human eye is difficult because traditional sampling methods are invasive. Therefore, the Seeker desires a computational model that accurately simulates the systems pharmacology of an administered drug.

This is a Reduction to Practice Challenge that requires written documentation, output from the proposed algorithm, and submission of the source code and/or an executable for validation, if requested by the Seeker.

OVERVIEW

Novartis is launching a Challenge for a recently introduced drug in the market that is linked with post-marketing adverse event case reports following administration of the drug in the human eye. A small number of patients experienced adverse events termed as “retinal vasculitis” and/or “retinal vascular occlusion” that may result in severe vision loss and/or decreased visual acuity. To understand these phenomena, the Seeker desires a systems pharmacology model that takes into account interactions between the drug, its target, and the ocular inflammatory process.

The submission to the Challenge should include the following:

1. A detailed description of the proposed Solution and how it addresses each Technical Requirement presented in the Detailed Description of the Challenge. This should also include a thorough description of the algorithm used in the Solution accompanied by a well-articulated rationale for the method employed.
2. A simplified block diagram, with legend, of the systems pharmacology model.
3. Output from the proposed algorithm as applied to specified parameters.
4. For only the top ranked submissions, the Seeker may request the source code and/or an executable with sufficient documentation to enable the Seeker to compile, execute the algorithm, and validate the method using additional internal data.

To receive an award, the Solvers will have to transfer to the Seeker their exclusive intellectual property (IP) rights to the solution.

Submissions to this Challenge must be received by 11:59 PM (US Eastern Time) on February 22, 2021. 

Late submissions will not be considered.

ABOUT THE SEEKER

Novartis is reimagining medicine to improve and extend people’s lives. As a leading global medicines company, we use innovative science and digital technologies to create transformative treatments in areas of great medical need. In our quest to find new medicines, we consistently rank among the world’s top companies investing in research and development. Novartis products reach nearly 800 million people globally and we are finding innovative ways to expand access to our latest treatments. About 109,000 people of more than 145 nationalities work at Novartis around the world. Find out more at https://www.novartis.com.

What is InnoCentive?

InnoCentive is the global innovation marketplace where creative minds solve some of the world's most important problems for cash awards up to $1 million. Commercial, governmental and humanitarian organizations engage with InnoCentive to solve problems that can impact humankind in areas ranging from the environment to medical advancements.

What is an RTP Challenge?

An InnoCentive RTP (Reduction to Practice) Challenge is a prototype that proves an idea, and is similar to an InnoCentive Theoretical Challenge in its high level of detail. However, an RTP requires the Solver to submit a validated solution, either in the form of original data or a physical sample. Also, the Seeker is allowed to test the proposed solution. For details about treatment of Intellectual Property (IP) rights, please see the Challenge Specific Agreement.