Research Ethics and Policy Series: Alan Flake, MD, FACS, FAAP

The EXTra-uterine Environment for Neonatal Development (EXTEND) – A Progress Report

Alan Flake, MD, FACS, FAAP
Professor of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Ruth and Tristran B. Colket Chair in Pediatric Surgery
Director, Children’s Center for Fetal Research
Vice Chair of Research, Department of Surgery
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Hybrid event (in-person and via Zoom).
Location: Biomedical Research Building - BRB 0252 Seminar Rm (421 Curie Blvd)

Abstract: The EXTra-uterine Environment for Neonatal Development (EXTEND) technology is designed to provide physiologic support to the extreme premature neonate, which we refer to as the Fetonate.  Pre-clinical data confirms that EXTEND can maintain normal growth and organ development for up to 4 weeks in the fetal lamb model. Extensive pre-clinical work has now been done directed toward clinical translation and a first in human trial. I will update the audience on where this effort stands with respect to device development, clinical trial design, and regulatory approval as a platform for the subsequent ethics and policy discussion. I will briefly discuss the ethics issues that have been raised and our perspective on the those that are actually relevant to our technology.

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What to expect during the lecture:

In-person participants: We are following the University of Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 guidelines. All in-person attendees are encouraged to wear masks and must either show their Green PennOpen Pass (University of Pennsylvania faculty, students, postdocs, and staff or badged contractors) OR Green PennOpen Campus (all other visitors including event attendees) in order to take part in-person. Attendees must complete their screening on their cell phones or computers BEFORE arriving at the venue. Click here for more information about PennOpen Campus and how it works. To-go boxed lunches will be provided to in-person participants, to be eaten after the lecture.

Virtual participants: You will enter the virtual "waiting room" and will be admitted at noon Eastern. Your audio and video will be automatically muted upon entry and you will stay muted during the talk. You can submit questions to the chat box and a staff member will read it out-loud either during the talk or during the Q&A portion at the end.

This lecture will not be recorded.

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Information: Mary Pham, Mary.Pham@pennmedicine.upenn.edu