Pilot 1:
Lung-on-Chip & Digital Twin Systems
Pilot I A: Microfluidic Lung-on-Chip
“We are developing a Lung-on-Chip model that replicates human lung physiology using patient-derived samples offering a scientifically robust NAM to assess drug responses more accurately than animal models.”
University of Galway, Dep. Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Mathematics, Computer Science
About the pilot
- Replicates Acute Lung Injury (ALI) using intensive care unit (ICU)-derived serum
- Integrates perfusion, shear stress and barrier integrity measurements
- Simulates physiological blood flow and ALI progression
- Uses historical ICU data and Digital Twin for validation and personalization
- Validates Parkinson’s disease drug candidates from midbrain organoids
Objective
Demonstrate human-relevant, non-animal models for respiratory and renal conditions to improve drug prediction and reduce clinical trial failure
Participation
- Validate your technology Test your microfluidic or perfusion systems in a cutting-edge LoC model using real patient data
- Speed up market entry Gain regulatory-relevant validation data to support faster commercialisation
- Connect & co-develop Collaborate with leading experts across the STEP4NAMs innovation network
Target groups: Companies or SMEs developing adaptable microfluidic chips or perfusion systems seeking pre-market testing and validation.
About the pilot lead
University of Galway ranked 289th in the 2024 QS World University Rankings, the University of Galway combines research excellence with expertise in medical device innovation, acute respiratory distress syndrome and near-patient testing. The CerebroMachines Lab, led by Dr. Mihai Lomora, develops microfluidics and organ-on-chip platforms for drug testing, forming the basis of the Lung-on-Chip pilot.
For more information, click here University of Galway.
Pilot I B: Digital Twin System
“This pilot brings together validated respiratory and renal models of acute lung
injury into a digital twin that simulates patient-specific responses which is leading
the way for in-silico NAMs in drug and device development.”
University of Galway, Dep. Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Mathematics, Computer Science
About the pilot
- Integrates in-silico respiratory mechanics, gas exchange and renal hemodynamics in one framework
- Personalizes simulations with patient-specific ICU data
- Enables virtual testing of ventilator settings, fluid management and novel therapeutics
- Uses machine learning to match patient trajectories for key clinical parameters
- Supports regulatory-grade virtual trials to speed pre-clinical testing and reduce animal use
Objective
Demonstrate human-relevant, non-animal models for respiratory and renal conditions to improve drug prediction and reduce clinical trial failure
Participation
- Test virtually before trials Assess drug candidates and devices in a lung–kidney Digital Twin ICU simulation.
- Optimise treatment strategies Evaluate ventilator, fluid, and drug effects before in vivo or clinical trials
- Co-develop high-impact tools Partner with experts to build regulatory-grade virtual trial platforms for critical care.
Target group: Pharma or BioTech enterprises/ SMEs developing drug candidates or medical devices with expertise in real-time simulation, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/ PD) profiling or clinical data integration.
About the pilot lead
University of Galway ranked 289th in the 2024 QS World University Rankings, the University of Galway combines research excellence with expertise in medical device innovation, acute respiratory distress syndrome and near-patient testing. The CerebroMachines Lab, led by Dr. Mihai Lomora, develops microfluidics and organ-on-chip platforms for drug testing, forming the basis of the Lung-on-Chip pilot.
For more information, click here University of Galway.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us