Microphysiological Systems: Stakeholder Challenges to Adoption in Drug Development

Cells Tissues Organs. 2022;211(3):269-281. doi: 10.1159/000517422. Epub 2021 Aug 11.

Abstract

Microphysiological systems (MPS) or tissue chips/organs-on-chips are novel in vitro models that emulate human physiology at the most basic functional level. In this review, we discuss various hurdles to widespread adoption of MPS technology focusing on issues from multiple stakeholder sectors, e.g., academic MPS developers, commercial suppliers of platforms, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, and regulatory organizations. Broad adoption of MPS technology has thus far been limited by a gap in translation between platform developers, end-users, regulatory agencies, and the pharmaceutical industry. In this brief review, we offer a perspective on the existing barriers and how end-users may help surmount these obstacles to achieve broader adoption of MPS technology.

Keywords: Bioengineering; Drug development; Induced pluripotent stem cells; Microfluidics; Microphysiological systems.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Drug Development
  • Humans
  • Lab-On-A-Chip Devices*
  • Microfluidics*