The NIH has established the Standardized Organoid Modeling Center, aiming to develop reproducible, human-based models using AI and robotics, reducing reliance on animal testing
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has inaugurated the Standardized Organoid Modeling (SOM) Center, a pioneering facility dedicated to creating standardized, human-based organoid models. With an initial investment of $87 million over three years, the center utilizes advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and robotics, to develop reproducible models that aim to replace animal testing in biomedical research.
Located at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, the SOM Center will focus on organoid models of the liver, lung, heart, and intestine, with plans to expand into other areas. This initiative is expected to accelerate drug discovery and enhance the precision of disease modeling.
Transforming biomedical research
Organoids are small, lab-grown tissue models that replicate the structure and function of human organs, offering alternatives to animal models. Currently, most organoid models are developed in academic labs using trial-and-error methods, which limits their reproducibility and reliability. The NIH SOM Center aims to overcome these challenges by leveraging artificial intelligence, robotics, and diverse human cell sources to create standardized organoid models. These reproducible models will be widely accessible to researchers and accepted by regulators, speeding up scientific discoveries and decision-making in biomedical research.
“This groundbreaking initiative will transform how we conduct biomedical research through innovative approaches to advancing human-based technologies,” said NIH Director Dr Jay Bhattacharya. “By creating standardized, reproduceable, and accessible organoid models, we will accelerate drug discovery and translational science, offering more precise tools for disease modeling, public health protection, and reducing reliance on animal models.”
NIH SOM center: A first of its kind
The NIH SOM center will support scientists and researchers from academic institutions, industry, and government; clinicians in need of patient-specific models; and the broader scientific community, including industry partners and educators. The center will provide open access to protocols, data, and organoids, promoting global collaboration.
Furthermore, the center will also work with regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, to develop models that meet preclinical testing standards, accelerating development of new disease treatments and safety assessments. It will initially focus on organoid models of the liver, lung, heart, and intestine, with plans to expand to additional organ systems and disease-specific models.
“The NIH SOM Center is truly a first of its kind,” said Nicole Kleinstreuer, Ph.D., Acting NIH Deputy Director for Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives. “It will serve as a national resource to scientists at NIH and investigators from around the country and the world, offering a unique combination of AI and machine learning to develop world-class organoid protocols, advanced robotics for large-scale production, and open-access repositories for physical samples and digital resources.”
