Sensor-ENabled Synovial Organ-on-Chip for Rheumatoid Arthritis
SENSORA is a 24-month public-private collaboration between Chiron, Charité, the Medical University of Vienna, and Maastricht University. Together, the partners will develop an innovative Organ-on-a-Chip that mimics rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a laboratory setting. By combining advanced sensor technology, automated fluid control, and human cell-based models, SENSORA aims to create a more reliable and predictive tool for studying disease mechanisms and testing new treatments.
RA affects around 18 million people worldwide and occurs up to three times more often in women than in men. The disease causes chronic inflammation, pain, and progressive joint damage, significantly affecting quality of life and generating substantial healthcare costs. Despite the availability of effective medicines, up to 40% of patients do not respond adequately to treatment. Current laboratory and animal models often fail to capture the complexity of human disease and sex-specific differences, creating a need for more predictive and human-relevant research tools.
Building on Chiron’s established synovial membrane model, SENSORA will integrate miniature sensors capable of continuously measuring oxygen levels, acidity (pH), and other indicators of cellular health and inflammation. Automated microfluidic pumps will precisely control the cell environment, while advanced data analysis and molecular profiling will validate the biological responses observed. The project follows a stepwise approach: developing sensor and fluid-control technologies, integrating them into the Organ-on-a-Chip platform, and validating the system through drug testing and reproducibility studies across partner institutions.
The project will deliver a proof-of-concept RA Organ-on-a-Chip platform with integrated real-time monitoring capabilities, standardized automation, and validated biological readouts. The resulting technology will support more efficient drug development, reduce reliance on animal testing, improve understanding of female-specific disease mechanisms, and provide a foundation for more personalized treatments for RA.
