Strategic Collaboration to Accelerate Human-Relevant Neuromuscular Testing
Curi Bio and Battelle have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at transforming the field of neuromuscular pharmacology through the accelerated adoption of New Approach Methods (NAMs). This partnership represents a significant step forward in reducing reliance on traditional animal-based testing while promoting the use of advanced, human-relevant technologies in drug development and biomedical research.
Headquartered in Seattle, Curi Bio is widely recognized for its pioneering work in developing 3D human tissue models and microphysiological systems that closely replicate human biology. Battelle, based in Columbus, Ohio, is the world’s largest independent nonprofit research and development organization, known for its extensive infrastructure, regulatory expertise, and ability to scale innovative technologies for real-world application. By combining their respective strengths, the two organizations aim to commercialize next-generation Neuromuscular Junction (NMJ) assay technology and bring it into mainstream pharmaceutical and biomedical use.
At the heart of this collaboration lies a shared commitment to advancing the principles of the “3Rs” in scientific research: Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement. These principles guide efforts to minimize the use of animals in testing by replacing them with alternative methods, reducing the number of animals required, and refining experimental techniques to improve welfare. Through this partnership, Curi Bio and Battelle aim to deliver highly reproducible, human-based models that can effectively replace long-standing animal bioassays. This shift is expected to not only address ethical concerns but also enhance the accuracy and relevance of preclinical data by using systems that more closely mimic human physiology.
A central component of the collaboration is the development and commercialization of advanced NMJ assay technology. The neuromuscular junction, which is the critical interface between nerve cells and muscle fibers, plays a vital role in controlling muscle contraction and movement. Understanding and accurately modeling this complex biological system is essential for the development of therapies targeting neuromuscular diseases, as well as for evaluating the safety and efficacy of various pharmacological compounds.
Curi Bio brings to the partnership its innovative Mantarray™ platform, a cutting-edge system designed to provide real-time functional readouts of human tissue activity. This platform enables researchers to measure contractility in human heart, muscle, and neuromuscular junction tissues with high precision. By using engineered 3D tissues derived from human cells, the Mantarray™ system offers a more physiologically relevant alternative to traditional in vitro and animal-based models. It allows scientists to observe how drugs affect tissue function in real time, thereby improving the predictive power of preclinical studies.
In particular, the collaboration focuses on enabling more effective potency testing for botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) products. Traditionally, BoNT potency testing has relied heavily on animal models, which can be time-consuming, costly, and ethically challenging. By offering a ready-to-use, human cell-based NMJ assay solution, Curi Bio provides pharmaceutical companies with the ability to generate accurate and reproducible data using their own drug formulations. This not only streamlines the testing process but also accelerates the transition toward animal-free methodologies in regulatory and commercial settings.
While Curi Bio contributes its advanced technological platform, Battelle plays a crucial role as the scale and integration partner. Battelle’s extensive GLP (Good Laboratory Practice)-ready infrastructure ensures that these innovative technologies can be implemented in compliance with global regulatory standards. In addition, Battelle offers specialized laboratory facilities and deep expertise in regulatory science, enabling the seamless integration of NMJ assay systems into existing drug development pipelines.
This combination of innovation and infrastructure is expected to significantly accelerate the adoption of NAMs across the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. By providing a scalable, regulatory-compliant solution, the partnership addresses one of the key barriers to widespread adoption of alternative testing methods: the challenge of translating laboratory innovations into practical, real-world applications.
The timing of this partnership is particularly noteworthy, as the regulatory landscape is undergoing a significant shift toward the acceptance of non-animal testing methods. Recent guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Non-Animal Models (NAMs) reflects a growing recognition of the value of human-relevant systems in drug development. At the same time, the National Institutes of Health has committed substantial funding—reportedly around $150 million—to support the development and adoption of alternatives to animal testing. These developments signal a broader movement within the scientific and regulatory communities toward more ethical, efficient, and predictive approaches to research.
Elliot Fisher, Chief Business Officer and Co-Founder of Curi Bio, emphasized the strategic importance of the collaboration in light of these trends. He highlighted that the partnership with Battelle will enable the company to scale its technology for applications with significant commercial and governmental impact. Fisher also noted that the evolving regulatory environment strongly supports the adoption of the scalable platforms developed by Curi Bio, positioning the company at the forefront of the transition to animal-free drug development.
From Battelle’s perspective, the partnership represents an opportunity to demonstrate how technology innovators and integrators can work together to drive meaningful change. Bob Moyer, a Research Leader at Battelle, explained that the collaboration combines Battelle’s strengths in R&D scale, regulatory expertise, and laboratory capabilities with Curi Bio’s cutting-edge technology. This synergy is expected to accelerate the translation of innovative research into practical solutions that can be deployed across a wide range of applications, including pharmaceutical development and medical countermeasure programs.
Beyond its immediate applications in neuromuscular pharmacology, the partnership has broader implications for the future of biomedical research. By demonstrating the feasibility and advantages of human-relevant models, Curi Bio and Battelle are helping to pave the way for a new paradigm in drug development—one that prioritizes accuracy, efficiency, and ethical responsibility. The adoption of NAMs has the potential to reduce development timelines, lower costs, and improve the success rate of clinical trials by providing more predictive preclinical data.
In conclusion, the strategic partnership between Curi Bio and Battelle marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of neuromuscular pharmacology and biomedical research as a whole. By combining innovative 3D human tissue technologies with robust infrastructure and regulatory expertise, the collaboration aims to accelerate the adoption of next-generation testing methods that are both scientifically superior and ethically responsible. As the industry continues to move away from traditional animal models, this partnership is well-positioned to lead the way in establishing new standards for drug development and safety testing.
About Curi Bio: Curi Bio provides a suite of human-relevant 3D tissue models and instrumentation to accelerate drug discovery and development. By integrating human iPSCs, tissue engineering, and automated data analysis, Curi Bio helps researchers build more predictive models of human disease.
About Battelle: Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers
