A platform using virtual humans to test chemical toxicity
Official title: An integrated MPS platform with "virtual humans" for chemical toxicity testing
Funded at Lena Biosciences, INC. · NIH-11008200 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to understand how different people react to chemicals by using virtual models that mimic human responses, helping to find out who might be more sensitive to lower levels of toxic substances, so we can make safer choices for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lena Biosciences, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | August 22, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $900,804 |
| NIH project number | 1R44ES036492-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11008200 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with heightened sensitivity to chemicals, such as those with neurodegenerative diseases or genetic predispositions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not exposed to harmful chemicals or who do not have conditions related to chemical sensitivity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a new screening platform that uses 'virtual humans' to assess how different individuals respond to chemical exposures. By incorporating human genetic diversity, the project will identify those who may be more sensitive to lower doses of toxic chemicals. The approach involves creating organotypic culture models from human stem cells to simulate how various chemicals affect different people. This innovative method seeks to improve chemical risk assessment and enhance safety for all individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective safety assessments for chemical exposures, ultimately protecting vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of virtual human models is a novel approach, similar methodologies in toxicity testing have shown promise in other research contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Lena Biosciences, INC.
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vukasinovic, Jelena — Lena Biosciences, INC.
- Study coordinator: Vukasinovic, Jelena
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Lab-grown 'virtual humans' to predict how chemicals affect people
This project builds mini human organs from diverse donors to spot who might be harmed by everyday chemicals and drugs.
-
Using a perfused organ panel to test chemical toxicity without live animals
This study is working on a new way to test how harmful chemicals are by using a special setup that acts like real organs, so we can learn about their effects without using live animals, making it safer and more humane.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.