Abstract

Multi-Organ-Chip Technologies: Towards a Paradigm Shift in Drug Development

Uwe Marx, CEO TissUse, Technical University of Berlin

The recent advent of microphysiological systems – microfluidic biomimetic devices that aspire to emulate the biology of human tissues, organs and circulation in vitro – is envisaged to enable a global paradigm shift in drug development. The expectation is that test systems established on this basis would model various disease stages, and predict toxicity, immunogenicity, ADME profiles and treatment efficacy prior to clinical testing. Furthermore, microphysiological system-based assays may change our current programs of prioritization of hazard characterization for any new substances to be used, for example, in agriculture, food, ecosystems or cosmetics, thus, replacing laboratory animal models used currently. I review the status quo of microphysiological systems available today against industry needs, and assess the broad variety of approaches with fit-for-purpose potential in the drug development cycle. Feasible technical solutions to reach the next levels of human biology in vitro are proposed. A Multi-Organ-Chip technology combining several organ equivalents is described in more detail. Finally, a roadmap into the future is outlined, to allow for more predictive and regulatory-accepted drug testing on a global scale.