Abstract

Potential Impact of Multi-Organ on a Chip Technologies on Predictive Substance Testing

Reyk Horland, CEO, TissUse GmbH

Drug discovery, safety assessment and hazard identification of drug substances, chemicals and other compounds rely historically on the use of animal models. The phylogenetic distance between animals and humans reduces the predictive value of such models. A promising solution to this problem is the development of microphysiological Multi-Organ on a Chip systems for systemic long-term cultivation of human organoids and tissues to realize a better understanding of their physiological in vivo crosstalk. The expectation is that such tests would predict, for example, toxicity, immunogenicity, ADME profiles and efficacy in vitro. The ultimate aim for microphysiological systems in drug development is to recapitulate the various stages of a disease and even understand the stages before the disease is clinically manifested, which may open the way for new treatment paradigms. This presentation will give examples of current chip-based Multi-Organ systems and their application in substance testing. In addition, critical milestones on the way to a paradigm shift in the assessment of safety and efficacy of substances will be discussed.