Focus group on in vitro models in personalised medicine

Cellular models for personalised medicine were the last topic in the series of virtual working sessions focused on preclinical methods for personalised medicine, hosted on June 30th by WP5. A group of six expert users of cellular model systems for various human diseases discussed the challenges related to implementing peronalised medicine supported by this type of modelling. The advancement of organ-on-chip models bring the promise of personalised animal-free methods, but these biological models still need further development. Proposals for improving the current approach to developing new medicines, with an increased patient focus, included changing the existing pipeline, and funding clinical translation centres. The outcome of this meeting will be discussed further in a dedicated workshop titled “Recommendations for more robust and reproducible preclinical research in personalised medicine” scheduled for Wednesday, September 1st.