How preclinical testing in transformed with Organ-on-a-chip technology

This article was originally published in Eurolab Winter/Spring 2025/2026 edition.

At the core of the FDA Modernization Act 2.0 (2022) was the acceptance of data derived using New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), like AI, in silico tools and Organ-on-a-chip, into regulatory filings. At the core of their subsequent roadmap to reduce animal testing in 2025 is an actionable phased strategy to reduce, refine, and ultimately phase out routine preclinical safety testing in animal studies in favor of a NAMs-based approach by encouraging and incentivizing their use. 

Since, funding initiatives across the US and Europe have arisen to build research facilities, set up universal standards, train, develop and accelerate the adoption of Organ-on-a-chip (OOC) technology – also known as microphysiological systems (MPS).  

Companies that have embraced OOC technology have the early advantage. They utilize it to improve the efficiency of their workflows by addressing gaps where traditional in vitro assays are not physiologically relevant enough, but animal use is less suited due to inherent interspecies differences. Some have widely adopted the approach, others have dabbled, many are yet to get started. But there’s no doubt that the field is gaining momentum!  

If you ask AI what is at the core of Organ-on-a-chip (OOC) technology, it lists “microfluidics to perfuse cultures, 3D cell culture, dynamic mechanical cues and the integration of multiple cell types, enabling users to create lab-grown mimics of human organs and tissues that behave and respond to drugs, toxins, or disease in a way that is more physiologically relevant than traditional 2D cell culture or many animal models”. 

Whilst this is true, there are many OOC technologies available and each is different. When the time’s right to modernize your workflows with OOC, it is important to match each system’s core strengths to your needs before choosing. Incorporating any new approach into your workflow takes time, so choose a solution whose core design prioritizes ease of setup and use, helping you onboard quickly and sustain momentum. 

Remember, the purpose of OOC is to enhance physiological relevance but OOC systems themselves don’t have to be prohibitively complex, ​they can be plate-based and familiar and utilize commonly used consumables such as Transwells^®. So, before you commit, consider the following key criteria: 

1. Make sure that you are comfortable handling the consumables for assay setup and sample extraction.  
2. Ensure that the system is easy to program.  Don’t waste valuable time over maintenance routines.  
3. More importantly, make sure you have adequate training and support to get on the right path. New researchers typically need 5–6 weeks to confidently run PhysioMimix® Core experiments. 

“Using the PhysioMimix® OOC System is really straightforward; with a little practice, any tissue culture scientist can master the skills needed for Organ-on-a-chip.”  – Deborah Lenart, MSc, Charles River

Access to highly characterized and validated assays is key to your initial success. Most vendors provide validated all-in-one assay or model kits, or protocols that enable new users to get to grips with OOC basics fast but rarely does one size fit all. Therefore, to meet your immediate and future needs, another core element to consider is a system’s adaptability.  

Experienced PhysioMimix customers benefit from its open architecture. For example:  

Webinar: Harnessing Liver-on-a-chip models for drug safety

Dr. Tomasz Kostrzewski, Dr. Emily Richardson and Dr. Dr. Rhiannon Hardwick (Bristol Myers Squibb) explores the use of OOC to improve IVIVE. Watch here

Futureproofing also relates to scalability and the cost of OOC experiments. Consider the throughput you will require once OOC becomes embedded as a core technology and ensure this can be met. Explore the cost per chip and options for cost reduction via miniaturization without compromising data integrity.

Ensure you can extract the widest range of endpoint analysis from each experiment to maximize value and remember, the benefits of perfused organ or tissue cultures can also be applied to more cost-effective cell types, such as iPSCs.

Multi-chip plates are familiar, accessible, and customizable

So, what are you waiting for?  To enhance preclinical efficiency, physiologically relevant OOC models and assays represent the future, enabling you to gain deeper and more human-relevant insights into drug responses to inform decisions about which candidates to take forward. To future-proof your investment, ensure you have a strong foundation. ​Look for an intuitive core system that will grow with your research needs so that you can adopt, adapt and scale with ease. 

Learn more about the PhysioMimix Core microphysiological system here.

References:

1. Majer et. al. (2024) | DOI: 10.1039/D4LC00504J 
2. Hellen et. al. (2025) | DOI: 10.1101/2025.01.08.631261 
3. Kopp et. al. (2024) | DOI: 10.1016/2024.503762
4. Dochi et. al. (2022) | DOI: 10.1039/D1LC01161H 
5. Milani et. al. (2022) | DOI: 10.1039/D2LC00276K   

Dr. Sarah Payne

Director of Marketing

Dr. Sarah Payne brings a rare blend of deep scientific expertise and commercial acumen to her role as Marketing Director at CN Bio, which she joined in 2020.

With a BSc in Biochemistry with Toxicology, a PhD in Receptor Pharmacology, and years of commercial experience in the life sciences sector, she has a unique ability to translate complex science into commercially successful market strategies.