While animal models have established value to biomedical research, they also have limitations. Microphysiological systems (MPS) hold promise to overcome some of these limitations with the promise of serving as a reduction or replacement.

MPS are an emerging technology that holds the potential to increase translation, efficiency, efficacy, and safety. They could serve as a replacement for some parts of animal research and become an integral part of drug development. What are MPS? They include tissue models such as spheroids, organoids, and organs-on-chips.

The 3RsC-MPS Initiative is comprised of 82 representatives from 39 institutions, 28 that are providers of commercially-available MPS that are already translated into industry use as well as several end-users. Its principal goal is to increase the adoption of MPS technologies through stakeholder engagement. We also hold representation in the planning of the MPS World Summit.

Our initiative is focused on four main areas shown below.