Organs-on-a-Chip for Pharmacokinetics & Immune/Metabolic Disease Modeling: Engineering, Validation, and Applications

Description:
This interactive workshop facilitates an in-depth and comprehensive discussion of the rapidly evolving field of organ-on-a-chip (OOC) technology and its transformative impact on pharmacokinetics and disease modeling. Beginning with the transition from traditional 2D lab-on-a-chip systems to advanced 3D OOC platforms, participants will explore key engineering milestones and examine the advantages of integrating cells and tissues into biomimetic models, in contrast to conventional cell cultures. The session emphasizes design and fabrication strategies, including material selection, 3D printing, and functional characterization methods for tissue architecture, biological integration, and allometric scaling. Attendees will gain insights into OOC applications in drug permeability, pro-drug metabolism, and bioavailability prediction through interconnected organ models. The workshop also addresses immune-competent platforms for studying intestinal and skin immune responses, alongside disease-specific models for inflammatory, allergic, and metabolic disorders, such as leaky gut, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), contact dermatitis, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and cancer. Discussions will encompass validation, cell sourcing, and the future of multi-organ systems for animal-free drug discovery, disease modeling, precision medicine, and healthcare innovation. The workshop will conclude by examining how OOC technologies are revolutionizing biomedical research and drug development.

Objectives:
Biomedical scientists, pharmaceutical and biotechnology professionals, and researchers from academia and industry who are interested in adopting, developing, or utilizing OOC systems--particularly for pharmacokinetics and modeling metabolic and immune diseases--will find this workshop highly relevant. Engineers and bioengineers specializing in microfluidics, tissue engineering, and the design and fabrication of OOC devices are also encouraged to participate. This multidisciplinary workshop caters to newcomers, PhD students, junior scientists, and mid-career professionals who aim to deepen their knowledge and enhance their practical skills in organ-on-a-chip technologies.