NeoBio Nexus develops brain-tumour-on-a-chip technology, paving the way for animal-free scientific testing

The startup NeoBio Nexus (NBION), based at the Coppe/UFRJ Business Incubator, is taking a bold step at the intersection of biotechnology and health. The company develops laboratory solutions that replicate human tissues and organs, enabling the study of diseases and the testing of medicines without the use of animals.

Among its innovations is the GliomaCHIP, developed in partnership with the Paulo Niemeyer Brain Institute, which reproduces—at a microscopic scale—the microenvironment of a glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer.

In practice, the chip recreates the interaction between tumour cells, blood vessels and the structural matrix in which they grow. A specially designed fluid, with properties similar to those of blood, circulates through the system, allowing researchers to observe in real time how the tumour develops and how it responds to different drugs.

Alongside this platform, NeoBio Nexus is also developing BioCHIPs—systems capable of maintaining three-dimensional mini-organs alive for extended periods. These technologies open up new possibilities to:

• test the efficacy and safety of new medicines before clinical trials in humans;
• improve existing drugs;
• develop personalised treatments by using a patient’s own cells to predict which therapy is most likely to be effective;
• advance fields such as regenerative and precision medicine.

In essence, the startup is betting on a future in which biomedical research moves beyond animal testing and relies instead on models that more faithfully reflect the human body. Below, Ísis Perez, co-founder of NeoBio Nexus alongside Lucas Ramos, discusses the company’s current stage and future directions.

Where does NeoBio Nexus stand today? Are the GliomaCHIP and BioCHIPs already in use?
The GliomaCHIP is still under development and is not yet being used by clients. Together with the Paulo Niemeyer Brain Institute, we are advancing the device’s structure and seeking additional funding to validate the technology. The BioCHIPs, however, are at a more advanced stage: they are currently used mainly in research projects, though not yet at commercial scale. We have also developed customised versions on demand for partners.

Has the GliomaCHIP already demonstrated tumour behaviour or drug responses?
Not yet with real tumour samples—those tests are planned for 2026. However, preliminary trials using other models have shown that we can maintain tumour cells alive in three dimensions and observe their behaviour, confirming the feasibility of the technology.

Was the “artificial blood” used in the chip also developed by the startup?
It is an adaptation of existing culture media, customised to better mimic blood flow within tumours. We can adjust the fluid’s components according to each biological model.

Which mini-organs have already been produced using the BioCHIPs, and how long do they remain viable?
We have developed three-dimensional tumour models and are extending tissue lifespan and stability through the use of bioreactors. This is a process of continuous development.

What role have partnerships with the Brain Institute and IK3D GENESIS played?
The Brain Institute is essential to the development of the GliomaCHIP, contributing both to the chip’s engineering and to preparations for future tests with real tumours. IK3D GENESIS brings expertise in biofabrication and equipment designed to keep tissues viable for longer periods, accelerating the transition from research to practical applications.

What distinguishes NBION’s technology from other organ-on-a-chip models worldwide?
The GliomaCHIP is the first device designed specifically for glioblastoma using high-resolution bioprinting. This ensures structural precision and allows the chip to be customised with characteristics of each patient’s tumour, making it highly promising for personalised therapies.

Can these technologies truly replace animal testing?
Yes—and this is the direction in which science is heading. Advanced chip-based models, combined with bioprinting and artificial intelligence, can deliver faster, more ethical results that are far closer to the realities of the human body. We are building a future in which research, treatment and innovation progress together, with responsibility and respect for life—both human and animal.