FRONT program selects performer team

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has selected the Functional Repair of Neocortical Tissue (FRONT) program multi-disciplinary performer team. FRONT will develop precursor tissue generation technologies to repair damaged neocortex tissue by regrowing new tissue capable of restoring lost brain function. 

The neocortex, the largest part of the brain, is responsible for essential functions including sensory perception, motor control, and decision-making. Damage caused by stroke, traumatic injury, or neurodegenerative diseases can result in permanent loss of function, often leaving individuals dependent on long-term therapy, rehabilitation, and caregiver support.  

“FRONT is addressing one of the greatest unmet medical needs of our time: repairing severe brain damage and restoring lost function for people living with the effects of stroke and neurodegenerative disease,” said FRONT Program Manager Jean Hebert, Ph.D. “Today, there is no technology capable of repairing damaged neocortical tissue, restoring normal neural connections, and recovering function. This transformative approach could help millions of people regain abilities such as movement, vision, and speech that are now considered permanently lost—while easing the burden on patients, families, caregivers, and the healthcare system.” 

The performer team is led by Sophrosyne Biosciences, Inc. and will develop precursor tissue grafts that will mimic normal brain development to generate new, normally structured tissue that integrates with the adult brain. The program will rely exclusively on adult-derived dedifferentiated stem cells to build restorative tissues. The FRONT program spans three technical phases over five years with strict performance metrics. 

Hebert added, ”FRONT moves us beyond therapies like physical and speech rehabilitation, aiming to restore vital brain functions. The program focuses among other indications on development of effective therapies for traumatic brain injuries, a leading cause of disability among military personnel. Our efforts will provide direct support to our nation’s servicemen and women, ensuring they receive the care they deserve for their sacrifice.”