Translating Human Pain Biology Beyond Animal Models into Predictive Drug Development
9:00 am - Tuesday 26th January 2027
This workshop will explore how human-relevant models can improve translation from preclinical discovery to clinical success by generating more predictive evidence earlier in development. Attendees will discuss how complementary in vitro, ex vivo, computational and experimental human approaches can strengthen decision-making and reduce reliance on less predictive models.
Key Questions Addressed:
- How can human iPSC-derived sensory neurons, primary human DRG and other scalable platforms improve translational relevance and enable more predictive screening?
- What can we learn from integrated model systems, from human cell-based assays through to animal validation, to better understand pain mechanisms and therapeutic requirements?
- How are New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), including 3D tissue models and computational tools, gaining acceptance and being incorporated into pain drug development?
- How can developers combine human-relevant models to strengthen go/no-go decisions, identify liabilities earlier and improve confidence before entering the clinic?
Speakers:
Director - Office of Preclinical Pain Research
Laboratory of Molecular Medicine & Neuroscience NINDS NIH