STEP4NAMs

STEP4NAMs: "Step up the use for new approach methodologies to replace animal testing"

STEP4NAMs: "Step up the use for new approach methodologies to replace animal testing"

University  of Galway is a partner in a research project funded by Interreg-NWE called STEP4NAMs ("Step up the use for new approach methodologies to replace animal testing"). The project is led by BioRegio STERN Management GmbH in Germany, and there are 10 project partners in total in Germany, Netherlands, France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Ireland.

Project Team

The project leads in University of Galway are:
Bairbre McNicholas, School of Medicine: Principal Investigator
Michael Madden , School of Computer Science
Niall Madden , School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences
Mihai Lomora , School of Biological and Chemical Sciences

We have two main contributions to the project:
Developing digital twin models using mathematical modelling and machine learning
Developing a lung-on-chip for model for Acute Lung Injury

For the first contribution, our focus will be on digital twins to simulate cardiovascular, pulmonary and renal systems, that will be adapted to match patient parameters. Partners in Medicine will collect real patient data from ICU equipment, while partners in Mathematics and Computer Science will develop the models. For the second contribution, partners in Biological and Chemical Sciences will develop and validate a lung-on-chip using a microfluidic model for Acute Lung Injury (ALI), using patient serum.

Both of these types of models, together with their end result of treatment, would help doctors to make better predictions in the future, and reduce dependency on animal models.

Overall Objectives of Step4NAMs

Promoting innovation and resilience in the field of NAMs in NWE
Utilizing transnational cooperation to improve the implementation of NAMs
Bringing together stakeholders across the entire NAM value chain from different countries
Increasing acceptance and use of NAMs through validation and demonstration in four pilot studies (Organ-on-Chip, Organoids, Digital Twin, Bioprinting/Bench-Top Simulations)
Developing a validation manual as a guideline for NAM users and developers
Training and supporting 186 participants (SMEs, research organizations, regulatory authorities) through a tailored training program to disseminate knowledge and promote NAMs

Project Duration and Funding

The project has a duration of 48 months (four years) and a total budget of €6,332,365. Of this, 60% is financed through an EU grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The budget for University of Galway is €958,356, including co-financing with PI time.

Further Information

STEP4NAMs Website: https://step4nams.nweurope.eu/

STEP4NAMs on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/106484939

Project Partners

BioRegio STERN Management GmbH (Lead Partner)
Brabant Development Agency (Tilburg, Netherlands)
InnovationQuarter (The Hague, Netherlands)
Eurasanté (Loos, France
Medicen Paris Region (Paris, France)
Biovia (formerly flanders.bio (Zwijnaarde, Belgium))
3R-Center for In Vitro Models and Alternatives to Animal Testing (Tübingen, Germany)
Atlantic Technological University (Galway, Ireland)
University of Galway (Galway, Ireland)
University of Luxembourg (Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg)