Paper Published on 3D Chip Platform for Cancer Research Laboratory Testing from Project Involving MGC, led by the University of Arizona and HonorHealth Research Institute

 Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc. (MGC; Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Yoshinori Isahaya) is pleased to announce the publication of a scientific paper demonstrating that cancer research laboratory tests could be done using the microphysiological systems (MPS) named as "ASTEROIDS" (Apparatus to Simulate Tumor Environment and Reproduce Organs in an Interactive and Dynamic System) that mimic human physiology, allowing greater predictive accuracy for human patient responses. This advancement has been achieved through an international collaborative research effort led by the University of Arizona and HonorHealth Research Institute, in collaboration with MGC.

 MGC worked closely with the University of Arizona’s Center for Applied Nanobioscience and Medicine (ANBM) to design, manufacture, and further develop the "ASTEROIDS" for future commercialization. And this MPS can contribute to improving the efficacy of translating the results of pre-clinical models to human clinical outcomes.

 The findings from a simulated radiation treatment for lung cancer, including its impact on tumor–immune interactions and immune-related responses, are summarized in a paper published this month in the scientific journal iScience entitled: A human 3D culture-organ-on-chip platform for investigating the tumor microenvironment response to ionizing radiation (10.1016/j.isci.2025.114236). While the simulation described in the paper focused on lung cancer, the technology can be applied to any solid tumor.

 In addition, this technology aligns with new FDA policies, under the FDA Modernization Act 2.0, to reduce animal testing in the development of advanced molecular therapies and other drugs with more human-relevant methods using multiple approaches, including AI-based computational models, organ-on-chip, and organoid testing in laboratory settings.

 In April 2025, MGC established the “Drug Discovery Platform Development Program” with Ehime University, a national university corporation, initiating ANBM technology translation of "ASTEROIDS" to a first academic institution and leader in biomedical research. Leveraging the “ASTEROIDS,” MGC is advancing the development of human disease models to address current drug discovery trends and unmet medical needs.

 Under the mission of "Creating Value to Share with Society", MGC will continue the development and implementation of technologies to contribute to the future health-centered society.

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