Date: 03/10/2024
In October, the MPS_NOVA Twinning Project officially launched under the Horizon Europe program, marking a significant step toward advancing microphysiological system (MPS) technologies to address pressing health challenges in Europe.
Led by Sarela Santamarina from the Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier at Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (ITQB NOVA), in collaboration with Cláudia Santos from NOVA Medical School, the project has secured €1.5 million in funding to develop innovative organ-on-chip and organoid models. These cutting-edge systems offer a human-relevant approach to studying chronic diseases and host-microbe interactions, potentially revolutionizing personalized medicine and reducing reliance on animal models.
Addressing Europe’s Health Challenges with Advanced Technologies.
Chronic diseases account for 86% of all premature deaths in Europe, while 8.9 million infections occur annually in healthcare settings, with 33,000 deaths caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The MPS_NOVA project aims to combat these challenges by establishing a European Hub of Excellence dedicated to translating basic research into clinical applications.
To achieve this, researchers will integrate miniature organ constructs and stem cells into organ-on-chip platforms — tiny devices that simulate the function of organs like the heart, gut, lungs, and skin. By combining multiple chips, scientists can create multi-organ systems to study disease progression, drug responses, and inter-organ communication.
“These in vitro platforms hold great promise for advancing our understanding of human biology,” explains Sarela Santamarina. “Because they are developed using human cells, they could lead to more personalized therapies while also serving as a powerful alternative to animal models.”
“This project gives Portugal a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of MPS research,” adds Cláudia Santos from NOVA Medical School.
A Collaborative Effort Across Europe
Coordinated by ITQB NOVA in partnership with NOVA Medical School, the MPS_NOVA Twinning Project unites 19 research groups across Universidade NOVA de Lisboa. Their research will span areas such as aging, neurodegeneration, inflammation, infection, microbial symbiosis, and drug development.
The project also benefits from a strong international network, collaborating with leading institutions:
- Universitätsklinikum Jena (UKJ), Germany – Experts in pioneering MPS research
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology of the Max Delbrück Center (MDC-BIMSB), Germany – Specializing in integrative metabolomics and proteomics for MPS applications
- Fondazione Human Technopole (FHT), Italy – Leaders in pluripotent stem cell technologies
A Three-Year Roadmap for Innovation
Over the next three years, MPS_NOVA will fund:
- 20 groundbreaking research projects
- 15 staff exchanges (32 participants)
- 16 training workshops (237 participants)
- A series of virtual seminars.
By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, the project aims to drive scientific and technological breakthroughs that will shape the future of biomedical research and precision medicine.
