About

A multidisciplinary panel focused on translating engineered multicellular systems (EMCeLs) and cellular microenvironments from research ideas to broadly applicable clinical tools. EMCeLS and engineered microenviornments may offer several advantages over conventional in vitro cell culture and animal experiments. While many of these approaches use the same biomaterials and microfabrication techniques, and some have already become commercially available products, there are still biomaterial, cell-related and process-based risks that must be reasonably determined, addressed, and reduced to an acceptable level to facilitate safer translational applications of these technologies. This special panel comprises presentations and a moderated discussion focused on translational considerations. Representatives from academia, industry, regulatory and funding agencies, and standards organizations will discuss advancing technologies out of the lab, commercialization of technologies into products for clinical use, compliance with regulatory requirements, and opportunities for funding.