Abstract

Applying Multi-Organ-on-a-Chip Technologies For Predictive Substance Testing

Reyk Horland, CEO, TissUse GmbH

Current in vitro and animal tests do not reliable predict the human responses to drugs or substances because they are failing to emulate the organ complexity of the human body, leading to high attrition rates in clinical studies. For example, absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) are key factors for predicting safety and efficacy of therapeutic candidates. However, these systemic effects are ignored in most in vitro tests. In order to emulate the physiological relevant in vivo crosstalk with the ability to perform systemic substance testing, we have developed a universal Multi Organ-Chip platform for long-term culture of human organ equivalents interconnected within a common capillary microfluidic network. The on-chip micro-pump ensures stable long-term circulation of media through the tissue culture compartments at variable flow rates, adjustable to physiological mechanical stresses of the respective tissues. This talk will present examples of current organ combinations and how the advanced knowledge and experience acquired will eventually enable the development of a Human-on-a-chip system. In addition, the question of how to qualify and validate these systems will be addressed.