The Emulate Liver-Chip S1 offers a breakthrough in predictive toxicology by accurately replicating the complex biology of the human liver sinusoid. Utilizing multiple primary human liver cell types and microfluidic channels to mimic blood flow and cellular interactions, the Liver-Chip S1 overcomes the limitations of traditional models like animal studies and 2D cultures. It provides an advanced platform for identifying drug-induced liver injury (DILI) with 87% sensitivity and 100% specificity, outperforming conventional methods.
The platform enables early toxicity detection by measuring key biomarkers such as albumin production and ALT levels, alongside morphological assessments. Its dynamic co-culture environment and long-term cell functionality allow for robust evaluations, minimizing risks associated with late-stage drug failures. The innovative design aligns with regulatory expectations, exemplified by its acceptance into the FDA ISTAND program, a step toward integrating the technology into regulatory submissions.
Economically, the Liver-Chip S1 can save over $3 billion annually by reducing drug development failures and streamlining the "fail fast" approach, where non-viable candidates are identified earlier. The recently introduced Liver-Chip R1 further enhances capabilities by minimizing drug absorption, particularly for lipophilic compounds, advancing its utility in diverse drug classes.
By bridging the gap between preclinical testing and human biology, the Emulate Liver-Chip series improves drug safety, reduces reliance on animal testing, and accelerates the development of safer therapeutics, positioning it as a transformative tool in modern drug discovery and development.