Summary:

Respiratory diseases are a leading cause of death and disability. However, the frequency of new pulmonary therapeutics reaching the market is low due to the poor preclinical models available. Two new lung-on-a-chip models have been developed that accurately mimic human lung tissue and predict reactions to novel therapeutics. The models were validated by infecting them with SARS-CoV-2 and treating them with a neutralizing monoclonal antibody therapy. The models responded in a dose-dependent manner to the therapy, demonstrating their ability to predict the efficacy of therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2. These models represent a significant advance in preclinical research and could lead to the development of more effective treatments for respiratory diseases.