Texas Biomed Advances AI Tools to Transform Drug Testing

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, April 20, 2026

Texas Biomedical Research Institute (Texas Biomed), in collaboration with the Southwest National Primate Research Center (SNPRC), is advancing new approach methodologies (NAMs) that integrate artificial intelligence, organoids, and microphysiological systems to transform drug discovery and safety testing. These innovations aim to complement traditional models while accelerating the development of safe and effective therapies for human diseases.

AI and Advanced Models Reshape Drug Development

Texas Biomed is pioneering the use of NAMs, which include AI-based computational modeling, 3D organoids, and organ-on-chip technologies, to study disease mechanisms and evaluate new treatments using human-relevant biological systems. These technologies are designed to accelerate early-stage drug discovery, reduce development timelines, and improve prediction accuracy for clinical outcomes.

Organoids, miniature 3D replicas of human tissues such as lung, liver, heart, and brain, are enabling scientists to simulate disease environments with remarkable precision. Meanwhile, microphysiological systems (MPS) replicate dynamic biological processes like cell interactions and fluid flow, providing deeper insights into how therapies behave inside the body.

In parallel, machine learning and AI algorithms are being used to predict drug-target interactions, toxicity risks, and treatment efficacy, significantly enhancing decision-making in pharmaceutical R&D. These innovations are increasingly recognized as critical tools for next-generation precision medicine.

Reducing Animal Use While Ensuring Safety Standards

While nonhuman primates remain the gold standard for evaluating drug safety and efficacy, Texas Biomed is actively working to reduce reliance on animal models through the 3Rs principle — replace, reduce, and refine. Researchers are integrating NAMs to minimize animal use while maintaining scientific rigor and regulatory compliance.

The institute is also leveraging its extensive biological data and tissue repositories, including decades of research on primate genetics and physiology, to validate the effectiveness of NAM-based models. This approach ensures that new tools are accurate, reliable, and safe before being applied in human clinical studies.

Importantly, scientists emphasize that NAMs cannot yet fully replace whole biological systems, particularly for understanding complex immune responses and systemic effects. Instead, a hybrid approach combining traditional models and advanced technologies is expected to define the future of biomedical research.

Driving Innovation in Infectious Disease and Precision Medicine

Texas Biomed is applying NAM technologies to a wide range of diseases, including epilepsy, viral infections, and emerging pathogens like Ebola, using organoid-based models to study disease progression and test potential therapies.

The institute has also adopted advanced platforms such as the EMULATE organ-chip system, which enables researchers to study human and nonhuman primate cells in dynamic, physiologically relevant environments. This system is particularly valuable for investigating respiratory diseases, tuberculosis, and influenza, providing critical insights into how treatments interact with complex biological systems.

Additionally, breakthroughs in cell culture technologies are making it easier to generate specialized human cells, such as alveolar macrophage-like cells, improving the ability to model lung diseases and accelerate therapeutic discovery.

The integration of AI, organoids, and microphysiological systems by Texas Biomed marks a significant advancement in drug development science, offering a faster, more efficient, and ethically responsible approach to testing new therapies. By combining cutting-edge technologies with established biological models, the institute is paving the way for a future where precision medicine, reduced animal testing, and accelerated innovation drive better healthcare outcomes worldwide.

Source: Texas Biomedical Research Institute press release