Developing microphysiological systems for use as regulatory tools--challenges and opportunities.

In the last few years, scientists have made important progress in developing systems using human cells to test the effects of drugs and other substances. These systems have the potential to improve toxicity testing beyond currently available tools. The innovative new tools, which are known as microsystems, microphysiological systems, or organs on a chip, can aid in the development of medical products so that toxicity may be identified earlier in product development. This may lower costs and speed new treatments to patients. Experts believe that these systems may eventually enable scientists to test more environmental compounds more efficiently.