Human-Based Models May Transform Autoimmune Research
Autoimmune diseases are notoriously difficult to model in animals, as they involve complex, human-specific immune interactions. As a result, many therapies that appear promising in animal studies fail in human trials.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced a $150 million investment in new research approaches designed to better replicate human biology and reduce reliance on animal models.
Human-based models could help address this gap by more accurately reflecting how the immune system behaves in people. This may improve how researchers study immune tolerance, chronic inflammation, and autoimmune disease progression.
By shifting toward models that more closely mimic human biology, this approach could:
- Improve the accuracy of preclinical research
- Reduce the number of failed clinical trials
- Support the development of more targeted therapies
- Enable more personalized approaches using patient-derived cells
The funding supports the Complement-ARIE program, which focuses on advancing “new approach methodologies” (NAMs), including lab-grown tissues, organ-on-chip systems, and computational models.
The initiative will establish technology development centers, a centralized data hub, and a validation network to ensure these tools are reliable and ready for broader scientific and regulatory use. Early pilot projects will focus on developmental health, toxicity testing, and neurological conditions.
Citation
National Institutes of Health. (2026, March 18). NIH invests $150 million in human-based research to reduce use of animal models. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-invests-150-million-human-based-research-reduce-use-animal-models