Merck and imec develop organ-on-chip platform to accelerate AI-driven pre-clinical drug development

Marking an important step toward transforming preclinical drug development, imec and Merck have announced a strategic collaboration to co-develop a highly advanced MicroPhysiological Systems (MPS) platform.

At the heart of this initiative is the integration of imec’s cutting-edge semiconductor technology — developed and validated through the NanoIC pilot line — with advanced organoid biology models.

The new MPS platform is designed to simulate human organ function more precisely than current models, offering pharmaceutical researchers a more reliable, reproducible, and animal-free alternative for preclinical testing.

What particularly sets this platform apart is its modular and scalable chip system, facilitating both single and multi-organ configurations. This adaptability makes it possible to obtain better-quality data, all within a controlled, chip-based environment.

The result? More reliable predictions and real-time identification of human organ drug responses. 

For the NanoIC pilot line, this partnership is a compelling example of how leading-edge chip technology can power innovation well beyond traditional semiconductor domains. It underscores the critical role of advanced semiconductor technology in unlocking new biomedical possibilities.

Want to discover more?

Read the imec press release