Merck and imec Partner to Develop Advanced Microphysiological Systems Platform
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Merck has entered into a strategic partnership with imec.
Together, they aim to develop an innovative microphysiological systems (MPS) platform to support more effective drug discovery and development processes.
The joint initiative focuses on enhancing the predictive accuracy of next-generation preclinical models, with the goal of reducing the reliance on animal testing. The new MPS platform will integrate Merck’s portfolio of induced pluripotent stem cells and patient-derived organoids with imec’s semiconductor-based biosensor technology.
The result is expected to be a connected in-vitro and in-silico system that can produce high-quality biological data needed for AI-powered drug discovery.
The platform will feature a modular design, allowing researchers to scale from single to multiple organ models. It will include advanced biosensing and microfluidic capabilities, supporting a wide range of experimental configurations. This adaptability is intended to improve data quality, enable real-time measurement of biological responses, and increase the reproducibility of results.
Designed for use in laboratory settings, the platform will be validated within Merck’s Healthcare operations and made available globally by its Life Science business. The system’s standardised interfaces will allow for easy integration and consistent performance across different research setups.
This consistency is expected to help reduce development time and costs while improving the reliability of preclinical data.
The collaboration also aims to generate rich, diverse datasets to train AI models, helping researchers better simulate human biology. By addressing key gaps in current preclinical testing methods, the platform could contribute to safer and more effective treatments reaching patients faster.
Merck and imec have extended an invitation to other biopharmaceutical companies to join the collaboration and support the advancement of next-generation MPS models.
Source: merckgroup.com
