At Emulate, we understand that animal studies and reductionist models are limited because they are not based on integrated human biology. By leveraging 21st century technologies, we are able to overcome these limitations with living human in vitro models that empower researchers to explore the biological mechanisms of health and disease. These microphysiological systems (MPS), commonly known as Organ-Chips, are setting a new standard for how we study biology and develop drugs, therapies, and cures for those who need them most.

Hesperos, Inc. is a global contract research organization (CRO) providing drug discovery and development services using its Human-on-a-Chip® platform – the most advanced, multi-organ microphysiological systems available today. 

The living platforms reproduce function across various human cell types in an interconnected system providing an accurate reproduction of a given disease state and therapeutic response. Including relevant organs and barrier tissues enables a range of applications, such as: reproducing specific disease states, evaluating various drug delivery methods (IV, oral, topical), and investigating the acute and chronic effects of single and multi-drug treatments (for parent compounds and metabolites).

The Human-on-a-Chip is particularly valuable for addressing rare diseases where no existing animal models exist. Following the FDA Modernization Act 2.0, regulatory agencies can now accept data directly from Hesperos’ systems for new drug filings, providing an alternative path to approval. Notably, a Sanofi IND filing in 2020 relied on efficacy data from a Hesperos system to enable a Phase II clinical trial (#NCT04658472) currently underway. This marked a groundbreaking milestone for the technology and industry as a whole.

Ultimately, this breakthrough technology will eliminate the need for animal testing in drug discovery while enabling research into rare diseases previously considered untreatable.

InSphero is the pioneer of industrial-grade, 3D-cell-based assay solutions and scaffold-free 3D organ-on-a-chip technology. Through partnerships, InSphero supports pharmaceutical and biotechnology researchers in successful decision-making by accurately rebuilding human physiology in vitro. Its robust and precisely engineered suite of 3D InSight™ human tissue platforms are used by major pharmaceutical companies worldwide to increase efficiency in drug discovery and safety testing. The scalable Akura™ technology underlying the company’s 3D InSight™ Discovery and Safety Platforms includes 96 and 384-well plate formats and the Akura™ Flow organ-on-a-chip system to drive efficient innovation throughout all phases of drug development.

Nikon Instruments Inc. is the biomedical imaging subsidiary of Nikon Healthcare worldwide serving the United States, Canada and Central/Latin America. Nikon is a world leader in the development and manufacture of optical and digital imaging technology for biomedical applications, leveraging extensive expertise in optics, image acquisition and analysis. Nikon Instruments offers a comprehensive range of microscope-based imaging solutions for the Biotech, Pharma, Research and Clinical disciplines ranging from basic tissue culture and dissecting microscopes to fully automated high-content screening, and cutting-edge confocal and super-resolution systems. For more information, visit https://www.microscope.healthcare.nikon.com/

ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions (RMS) is the world’s one-stop manufacturer of light, electron, X-ray and ion microscope systems and software that offers solutions for Biopharma and Biotech Scientists. ZEISS has the most powerful portfolio of innovative technologies including automated workflows, multiplex microscopy solutions, machine learning, lab documentation, as well as cost-efficient image analysis in the cloud.

AIM Biotech is a 3D micro physiological systems company creating true-to-life human disease models capable of reproducing clinically relevant conditions at all stages of drug development. AIM’s proprietary “BioAvatar” technology has been sited in over 250 publications. The hallmark of AIM’s models combine vascular and immune components with versatility and cost-effectiveness.

AVATARGET Biotechnology Co., Ltd. is an innovative technology company focusing on the R&D and production of human organ-on-a-chip and life science equipment. The core technology of AVATARGET has been transformed into the organ-on-chip research team of Southeast University, and the technical achievements have been successfully applied in scientific research scenarios such as new drug research and development, precision medicine, disease modeling, and beauty safety evaluation. At present, AVD has reached in-depth cooperation with well-known pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, research institutions and universities at home and abroad.

AxoSim empowers advancements in human neuroscience by partnering with biopharma companies to facilitate breakthroughs in devastating neurological diseases and disorders. Their proprietary drug discovery platforms NerveSim®, BrainSim®, and microBrain™ deliver clinically-relevant data to select better lead candidates with phenotypically accurate assays. AxoSim’s platforms have applications in peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic pain, disease modeling (such as ALS, MS, and CMT), and neurotoxicology.

Bayer serves our most basic human needs – health and food. Guided by our purpose, Science for a better life, we contribute to a world in which diseases are not only treated, but effectively prevented or cured; in which people can take care of their own health more effectively; in which enough agriculture products are produced for all while conserving our planet’s natural resources; in which business growth and sustainability go hand in hand. Our vision is: Health for all, Hunger for none.

Beijing Daxiang Biotech Co., Ltd., a prominent high-tech company in China, specializes in developing and manufacturing human organoids-on-chips. We are dedicated to advancing and leading the widespread use of organoids-on-chips across various fields such as new drug research and development, disease modeling, and personalized precision medicine. Our founding team comprises experts from Peking University, committed to delivering more precise, efficient, and cost-effective solutions for drug research and development, as well as an innovative and biomimetic clinical precision drug standardization platform, fostering advancements in human health.

Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF) enables highly precise, micro-scale 3D printing across healthcare, the life sciences, electronics, and machining industries. Using the company’s proprietary PμSL (Projection Micro Stereolithography) technology, the microArch system printers produce the industry’s most accurate and precise high-resolution 3D prints for product development, research, and industrial short run production. Founded in 2016, BMF has offices in Boston, Shenzhen, Chongqing and Tokyo with a research and development center in San Diego. For more information on BMF please visit www.bmf3d.com or follow the company on LinkedIn.

Charles River provides essential products and services to help pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, government agencies and leading academic institutions around the globe accelerate their research and drug development efforts. Our dedicated employees are focused on providing clients with exactly what they need to improve and expedite the discovery, early-stage development and safe manufacture of new therapies for the patients who need them. To learn more about our unique portfolio and breadth of services, visit www.criver.com.

“Human Data for Next Generation Medicines”
Curi Bio unlocks novel workflows and critical human data to inform R&D decision-making. Through an integrated platform featuring advanced 3D tissue models of disease, biosystems enabling clinically relevant functional analyses, and AI/ML-enabled insights, Curi Bio merges functional and analytical assessments for drug safety, efficacy, and potency.

Dynamic42 GmbH provides immunocompetent, physiological organ-on-chip models combining ISO-certified, medical-grade standards with ease of use for scientists. As a spin-off from the University Hospital Jena in Germany, the company has developed a strong background in disease and infection modeling. Dynamic42 offers contract research for preclinical drug evaluation in human models of the vasculature, liver, intestine, and lung as well as customized model development. The company further provides a variety of medical-grade, low drug adsorption biochips and hands-on training courses within their Dynamic42 Academy.

Founded in 1985, the International Foundation for Ethical Research (IFER) supports the development, validation, and implementation of innovative scientific methodologies that advance science and replace the use of animals in research, testing and education.

Each year, IFER awards Graduate Fellowships to early career scientists developing alternatives to the use of animals in product testing, biomedical research, and education. As acceptance of non-animal methods and models grows among the scientific and regulatory communities, IFER seeks promising collaborations, particularly those that will advance the development of MPS devices. Learn more about the ways in which IFER is changing the face of science.

Since 1989 we create beauty without testing our products on animals. L’Oréal Group continuously invests in the development of non-animal testing methods and rallies the scientific communities in this journey. We share our scientific advances, knowledge and expertise to foster the use of non-animal testing methods, while engaging with regulators and decision makers to cease animal testing for cosmetics everywhere in the world. We are committed to non-animal testing. Click here for more information.

MEPSGEN is a biotechnology company that develops human microphysiological systems (MPS) also known as organ-on-a-chip and employs innovative on-chip products to predict drug toxicity and efficacy more accurately for the rapid and effective translation of new medicines to market.

Founded in 1929, the National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) promotes greater compassion, respect, and justice for animals.

NAVS works to increase public awareness about animal testing and experimentation, to promote positive solutions that advance human-relevant science, and to effect changes that will help end the unnecessary suffering of animals in research, testing and education. NAVS co-founded the International Foundation for Ethical Research (IFER) in 1985. Today, NAVS is IFER’s primary source of funding. NAVS’ goal of advancing smarter, humane, and human-relevant science is realized not only through its ongoing financial support of IFER, but also through other programmatic efforts. Learn more.

NETRI, industrial start-up, offers healthcare industries the ability to generate mini human organs on chip which, coupled with AI treatments, can predict the clinical effect of drug candidates. NETRI offers its customers support throughout the development of their drug or product candidate, providing predictive answers on toxicity, efficacy and modes of action in the discovery, preclinical and clinical phases. Organ-on-a-chip devices enable the creation of healthy or pathological physiological models. Using its high-throughput microfluidic technologies, NETRI’s models recreate human physiology in vitro by co-culturing cells, either primary or derived from human stem cells, compartmentalized and coupled with functional activity measurements.

At STEMCELL, science is our foundation. Driven by our mission to advance research globally, we offer over 2,500 tools and services supporting scientists working in stem cell research, regenerative medicine, immunotherapy, and disease research. Organoids and organotypic model systems, as alternatives to animal models, are powerful new tools for research approaches in modeling and understanding human health, disease, and response to novel therapeutic treatments. STEMCELL Technologies supports organoid researchers with high-quality cell culture media and kits that enable robust establishment, expansion, maintenance, and differentiation of organoid cultures. To explore STEMCELL’s high-quality organoid media and differentiation kits, visit: www.stemcell.com/organoid-products.

TissUse is the pioneering force in the field of multi-organ-chip technology, driving innovation since 2010. Our commercially available HUMIMIC Multi-Organ-Chips offer a unique opportunity to model the complexities of human organs and their interactions. By leveraging our cutting-edge technology, you can make informed decisions during the drug development process. Predict toxicity and efficacy, and evaluate ADME profiles in vitro, all while reducing the dependence on animal testing and streamlining clinical trials. Trusted by academic and industry leaders, TissUse empowers you to obtain comprehensive safety and efficacy data, revolutionizing the future of research.

For over 55 years, World Precision Instruments (WPI) has been a leading global manufacturer and provider of innovative research equipment and laboratory supplies to the life sciences, pharmaceutical, health care, and industrial markets. Our proven technology supports complex model development, including animal models and organ-on-a-chip systems, providing researchers with the tools to identify and validate drugs preclinically to understand mechanism of action, dosage, administration, drug-drug interactions, patient-specific reactions, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety and efficacy. Our areas of innovation focus on tissue and cell biology, fluidics, animal physiology and electrophysiology. With an extensive global network and a passion for innovation, WPI provides novel solutions to customer’s daily challenges.

Founded in 1993, ARDF promotes alternatives to the use of animals in biomedical research, testing and education. The foundation has awarded over $4.5M through its Annual Open Research Grant program. It also sponsors scientific meetings and presents the Cave Award for outstanding achievements in advancing alternative methods.

Amgen is one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies. Amgen is a values-based company, deeply rooted in science and innovation to transform new ideas and discoveries into medicines for patients with serious illnesses.

With a holistic approach, we design and develop medicines and intelligent devices that provide ongoing care for patients beyond their treatment. This includes new medications to treat conditions such as cancer or multiple sclerosis (MS), but also innovative technologies that make life easier for patients.

The Humane Society of the United States is working to decrease and eventually end the use of animals for harmful research and testing through public policy, corporate outreach, and public engagement. Our priorities are expanding the development, use and regulatory acceptance of new approach methods and eliminating unnecessary animal tests.

World’s first practical and scalable application of stem cell differentiation induction and cell-engineering technology, including those applied to iPSC-derived organoids, to recapitulate human respiratory organ.
Drug screening services, for both respiratory safety and in situ efficacy, for efficient identification of candidate molecules of desired profile.

Genentech is a biotechnology company dedicated to pursuing groundbreaking science to discover and develop medicines for people with serious and life-threatening diseases. Our transformational discoveries include the first targeted antibody for cancer and the first medicine for primary progressive multiple sclerosis.

“The OK-MPS Validation Center establishes infrastructure for validating 3D bio-tissue chips, standardizes SOPs, and promotes ecosystem development. Its goal is to globalize South Korea’s advancements in new drug development and precision medicine through commercializing domestic R&D, offering validation, testing, talent development, equipment rental, and academic support.”