Tissue Chip for Drug Screening
The Tissue Chip for Drug Screening program aims to develop bioengineered devices to improve the process of predicting whether drugs will be safe or toxic in humans.
Tissue Chip Overview
Many promising medications have failed to be safe and effective in human clinical trials despite promising preclinical studies. We are addressing this problem through the Tissue Chip for Drug Screening program. We coordinate with other NIH institutes and centers and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Tissue chips are built from human cells. Also called organs-on-chips, they mimic the structure and function of our heart, kidneys, lungs and other organ systems. Scientists are developing and using tissue chips to test the potential effects of drugs on those tissues in a faster and more effective way than current methods. Learn more about these projects.
With flexible funding from the Cures Acceleration Network, we focus on developing high-need cures and reducing major barriers between research discovery and clinical trials. Our Tissue Chip for Drug Screening program aims to speed the translation of basic discoveries into the clinic. By creating an integrated human body-on-a-chip, researchers will be able to test the possible effects of a drug or other substance across the entire body before testing in people.
Because they use human cells, tissue chips are also useful research tools to study human diseases and conditions when animal models do not mirror the pathology or are unavailable. They support NIH’s position that non-animal model approaches can reduce the need for animals in research but will require further improvement to completely replace them.
Tissue Chip News
Scientists Discover Potential Treatment Approaches for Polycystic Kidney Disease
April 4, 2024 - NCATS News
- Our Impact on Drug Discovery and Development
- Tissue Chip for Drug Screening
NCATS-supported researchers used gene editing and 3-D cell models to uncover new insights into the genetics of polycystic kidney disease. The discoveries could set the stage for new ways to treat the disease.
UTMB, Texas A&M University Awarded Major Grant to Establish Translational Center for Women’s and Pregnancy Health Research
June 18, 2024 - Grantee/Partner News
- Tissue Chip for Drug Screening
Immune-System Signaler Also Appears to Cause Kidney Injury
June 4, 2024 - Grantee/Partner News
- Tissue Chip for Drug Screening
NIH Awards Hesperos Research Grant to Develop Animal-Free Botox Testing Platform
May 7, 2024 - Grantee/Partner News
- Tissue Chip for Drug Screening
Why Tissue Chips Matter
Watch the Tissue Chip for Drug Screening video (video length: 3:49) to learn more about the program.
Tissue Chip Funding
Find funding opportunities for the Tissue Chip for Drug Screening program.
Related Research
Stem Cell Translation Laboratory
Our experts develop methods and standards to use stem cell technology (using cells derived from skin
or blood) to advance treatment approaches.
3-D Tissue Bioprinting
Our scientists are creating and using 3-D printing techniques to make tissue models that closely resemble the complex structure and organization of our cells.
Matrix Combination Screening
Our experts use matrix combination screening technology to quickly identify promising drug combinations with the most potential to help patients.