Overview
Johnson & Johnson announces the Pitching Gastroenterology Advancements QuickFire Challenge. Innovators are invited to submit novel approaches to modulate gut barrier function and integrity towards achieving epithelial barrier homeostasis and healing, including novel approaches and targets to prevent or repair epithelial damage, and methods for assessing barrier function/dysfunction.
Innovators are invited to submit approaches that focus on:
- Protective and reparative mechanisms: Approaches that directly protect or heal the intestinal epithelial barrier, and/or reverse intestinal permeability with a preference for interventions that act directly on epithelial cells rather than through indirect mechanisms.
- Techniques for measuring barrier integrity: Innovative tools and methodologies for assessing intestinal mucosal barrier function, with a focus on accurate, reproducible, and translationally relevant measurements.
Of particular interest are solutions that not only advance the science of gut barrier protection and repair but also offer a clear path toward therapeutic development.
Criteria
Potential solutions will be evaluated by a panel of reviewers on their ability to meet the following criteria:
- Uniqueness of the idea
- Feasibility of the idea
- Thoroughness of approach
- Identification of key resources and a plan to further the idea
Innovators with the most promising idea(s) will have an opportunity to showcase their science, either in person or virtually, to a panel of Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine Immunology leaders during the 2025 Digestive Disease Week (DDW) Conference in San Diego, CA, May 3-6, 2025.*
* Subject to terms and conditions of applicable QuickFire Challenge. No travel costs will be reimbursed for applicants to attend the live pitch event in San Diego. Virtual participation in the pitch opportunity will be facilitated if needed.
For more information, please see the opportunity webpage.