With recent clinical trials revealing that up to 68% of patients experienced peripheral neuropathy from novel oncology treatments—30% of whom had not recovered after six months—the need for advanced models of peripheral neurotoxicity is urgent. Understanding not just if a drug is toxic, but why and how to mitigate risks, is essential for developing safer treatments.
In this case study on chemotherapeutic drug-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) we demonstrate that the NerveSim 2.0 platform effectively recreates the axonal growth, orientation, and function characteristic of mature nerve anatomy. By screening known neurotoxic compounds, we have established that the NerveSim platform not only identifies whether a drug is toxic but also provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of that toxicity. As the first 3D in vitro model to collect electrophysiological and histomorphic metrics, NerveSim allows us to assess in vivo pathophysiology in unprecedented detail.
Lowry Curley, PhD
Lowry is a scientist, innovator, and developer of critical tissue engineering and neural interfacing technology unlocking the potential of brain-on-a-chip platforms. He has pioneered the early use of 3D neurophysiological models to test and screen drugs. Lowry is a member of the Nonclinical Innovation and Patient Safety Initiative collaboration (NIPSI) and 3Rs Collaborative, which advocate to the FDA for use of safer, more effective non-animal testing models in drug discovery. He also serves on the New Orleans BioDistrict Board, supporting economic growth of the biosciences sector in Southeast Louisiana. He received his PhD in biomedical engineering from Tulane University.
