Organ-on-Chip Technology: A Game Changer for BioE3 and Personalized Medicine
Organ-on-Chip Technology: A Game Changer for BioE3 and Personalized Medicine
Sub: Sci
Sec: Biotech
Why is in News
On August 24, 2024, the Government of India introduced the ‘BioE3’ policy aimed at revolutionizing the biotechnology sector by setting up biomanufacturing facilities, bio-AI hubs, and bio-foundries. This policy, with a particular focus on precision therapeutics and biologics, could leverage emerging technologies such as Organ-on-Chip (OoC) to accelerate drug discovery, making it a timely and strategic initiative.
What is Organ-on-Chip Technology?
Organ-on-chip (OoC) technology refers to a micro engineered biomimetic system designed to replicate the structural and functional characteristics of human tissues. By combining biomaterial technology, cell biology, and engineering on a miniaturized platform, OoC allows researchers to simulate human organ behavior in a lab environment. These chips can mimic various human organs such as lungs, liver, kidney, heart, intestine, and skin.
How Does It Work?
The technology integrates cell biology with microfluidics to recreate in-vitro tissues that reflect in-vivo physiological processes.
OoC devices are equipped with sensors and microchannels that replicate the fluid flow, mechanical forces, and biochemical gradients found in human organs.
This enables precise control of parameters like concentration gradients, fluid shear stress, and tissue interactions, making the system more accurate than traditional in-vitro methods.
Applications
Organ-on-chip models have broad applications across multiple scientific fields, including:
Drug Discovery and Development: They aid in optimizing drug leads, toxicological studies, and pharmacokinetics, providing early insights into the drug’s efficacy and safety.
Disease Modelling: OoC models simulate disease conditions, helping researchers study pathogenesis and test treatments in a more realistic human context.
Toxicology: By accurately mimicking human tissues, OoC offers better alternatives to animal models for toxicity testing.
Virology and Pathogenesis: These chips are instrumental in studying how viruses infect human organs, a particularly valuable tool during outbreaks like COVID-19.
International Developments in Organ-on-Chip Technology: The FDA Modernization Act 2.0 (2022) in the U.S. allows OoC technology as an alternative to animal testing in drug development.
India’s Role in Advancing Organ-on-Chip Technology: India has made progress by:
Amendments to New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules (2019): Permits the use of human OoC models and “New Approach Methods” (NAMs) alongside animal testing.
| New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) are any technology, methodology, approach, or combination that can provide information on chemical hazard and risk assessment to avoid the use of animal testing. |
Workshops: In July 2024, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology hosted a workshop on the latest developments in NAMs.
Future Outlook and Policy Recommendations
Establishing Dedicated Centers: For successful adoption, India needs dedicated organ-on-chip centers that facilitate research, streamline regulatory processes, and promote industry-academia collaboration.
Enhancing Self-Sufficiency: By investing in OoC technology, India can reduce its reliance on foreign biotechnology and bolster its standing in precision medicine.
Economic and Healthcare Benefits: Organ-on-chip centers can help improve healthcare outcomes while boosting economic growth through innovation in the biotechnology sector.
What is BioE3 Policy? The BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) policy was introduced by the Government of India to boost innovation in the biotechnology sector. It focuses on modernizing biomanufacturing and advancing precision medicine through cutting-edge technologies.
Key Objectives:
Enhance Biomanufacturing Capabilities: Establish world-class biomanufacturing facilities to scale up the production of biologics, gene therapy, and cell therapy.
Promote Bio-AI Integration: Develop bio-AI hubs to leverage artificial intelligence in biotechnology for tasks like drug discovery, personalized medicine, and diagnostics.
Establish Bio-Foundries: Set up bio-foundries, which are platforms that automate the design, testing, and optimization of biological systems to accelerate the development of new therapies and biologics.