The so-called CIVIC/BETA mini lung model has already been patented. The scientists of the project, coordinated by Dr. Otmar Schmid and Dr. Ali Doryab from the Pulmonary Aerosol Delivery group at the Helmholtz Munich Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI), can use it to observe the transport of inhaled drugs from the lungs into the blood, as it would be the case in humans. Researchers from the University Hospital Würzburg, the LMU Hospital Munich, and the VITROCELL Systems GmbH are also involved in the project. The goal is to turn the patented technology into a commercially available product.

The funding of about 1 million euros was approved as part of the 3R call for proposals "Alternative methods to animal testing".

Further information:
https://www.helmholtz-munich.de/news/pressemitteilungen/2016/pressemitteilung/article/50672/index.html