Creating a microchip model to study rheumatoid arthritis and improve treatment options
Official title: Development of a Synovium-on-a-Chip Microphysiological System to Interrogate Pathobiology and Enhance Precision Medicine in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Funded at New York University · NIH-11043432 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a special model that mimics the joints of people with rheumatoid arthritis to help researchers understand the disease better and test new treatments, making it easier to find the right therapies for each patient.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $179,469 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AR083247-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043432 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of arthritis or those not diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a unique microphysiological system called 'Synovium-on-a-Chip' that mimics the human joint environment affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA). By using patient-derived cells, the model aims to replicate the immune responses and disease processes of RA, allowing researchers to better understand the condition and test new immunotherapy treatments. This innovative approach will enable personalized medicine by stratifying patients and pre-screening potential therapies in a controlled setting, ultimately leading to more effective treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective treatment options for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of using microphysiological systems is gaining traction, this specific approach to modeling rheumatoid arthritis is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Weiqiang — New York University
- Study coordinator: Chen, Weiqiang
Related research
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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.