Americas Regional Chapter | International MPS Society (iMPSS)

The Americas Regional Chapter

Chapter Regions
The Americas chapter includes North, Central, and South Americas

The iMPSS Americas Chapter is powered by specialized committees composed of dedicated members who are actively shaping the scientific, technological, and regulatory landscape of Microphysiological Systems (MPS) and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs).

Our committees are the engine of our progress, providing strategic leadership, expert insight, and a collaborative platform essential for accelerating the adoption of human-relevant models. We invite you to contribute your expertise and help advance safer, more effective testing strategies across the Americas.

Officers

Magdalena Kasendra (Chair)

Director of Research and Development at the Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center

Science and Technology Committee

Chair: Taci Pereira
Biotech Entrepreneur, USA

This committee provides the collaborative platform for advancing the scientific rigor, technological innovation, and educational mission of iMPSS. It serves as the central forum for members to exchange ideas and data on the latest advancements and challenges within the MPS field.

Core Focus Areas & Opportunities to Engage:

Standardization and Validation: We integrate focused task forces to address key challenges such as model validation, benchmarking, and standardization. Our work aims to develop consensus benchmarks, standardized protocols, and criteria for reproducibility.

Education and Outreach: We are developing educational resources, including certification programs, mentorship opportunities, and outreach to underrepresented groups.

Collaborative Innovation: We facilitate pre-competitive partnerships among academia, industry, and regulators to co-develop and validate next-generation MPS technologies.

How to Get Involved: Participate in our webinar series, contribute to technical guidance and roadmaps, and help establish guidelines for model benchmarking.

Government Relations and Policy Committee

Co-Chair: Emily Anderson
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, USA

Co-Chair: Catharine E. Krebs
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, USA

This committee is dedicated to shaping the policy environment that supports the adoption and implementation of MPS and other NAMs in the Americas. It provides strategic counsel regarding formal interactions with Congress and engages with federal agencies and policymakers.

Core Focus Areas & Opportunities to Engage:

Policymaker Education: We develop and share informational materials with policymakers, educate them on the scientific benefits and public impact of MPS/NAMs, and establish iMPSS as a trusted source.

Member Empowerment: We educate iMPSS members on relevant policy issues and assist in advocacy, including providing an advocacy toolkit for legislative and agency engagement.

How to Get Involved: Help us understand policy needs for MPS/NAMs implementation, assist in monitoring funding trends and policy shifts to keep iMPSS membership informed, and contribute to informational materials for policymakers.

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Regulatory Committee

Co-Chair: Nicholas King
C-Path, USA

Co-Chair: Suzanne Fitzpatrick
FDA, USA

This committee leads efforts to align MPS technology development with evolving regulatory frameworks. This committee is critical in overseeing the development and implementation of the iMPSS regulatory agenda. It acts as a neutral forum for translating scientific innovation into regulatory science.

Core Focus Areas & Opportunities to Engage:

Regulatory Engagement: The committee oversees interactions with the FDA and other agencies. It is responsible for organizing multi-agency workshops, participating in roundtables, and submitting public comments to the regulatory docket.

Defining Pathways: We identify and promote MPS integration points across FDA qualification programs. This includes providing guidance on MPS qualification, standardization, and regulatory science priorities.

Harmonization: The committee aims to enhance harmonization to promote both international standardization and consistency within the MPS field.

How to Get Involved: Help us with FDA guidance gap analysis, contribute to the MPS Qualification Task Force, and provide input on regulatory guidance primers and white papers.