MAVERIC: Enabling reliable and rapid preclinical evaluation of macrophage‑targeting immunomodulatory drug candidates with vascularized in vitro 3D human lung cancer microenvironment models
Project Information
MAVERIC develops a fully human, vascularized 3D lung cancer model combined with AI‑powered image analysis to accelerate the evaluation of macrophage‑targeting immunotherapies. The platform recreates key features of the tumor microenvironment, including immune cells and patient‑derived pleural fluid, enabling more predictive and ethical preclinical testing.
Project tasks:
Discover and validate three new TAM‑reprogramming small molecules.
Develop 2D/3D assays and select a lead candidate.
Build a vascularized 3D NSCLC model with embedded macrophages.
Create automated AI software for high‑content TME analysis.
Validate the lead compound in a pleural‑fluid‑enriched 3D model.
Target group:
Biotech and pharma companies.
Translational oncology researchers.
Immunotherapy developers.
Organizations seeking human‑relevant alternatives to animal testing.
Project goals:
To deliver a human‑relevant 3D platform and analytical tools enabling rapid, reliable discovery of next‑generation macrophage‑reprogramming therapies for lung cancer.
Effects and outcomes:
Novel TAM‑targeting drug candidates.
A validated 3D vascularized lung cancer model.
AI‑enabled software for automated TME analysis.
Reduced reliance on animal testing and improved prediction of immunotherapy response.
Project Value and Funding Amount
Total amount of funding
3 863 947,97 PLN
861 565,28 CHF
Total cost of the project
4 397 980,47 PLN
980 641,38 CHF
Project progress and results
Project workflow:
Project partners
Living Networks Sp. z o.o.
ul. Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland
Abbmira Therapeutics AG
Oetlingerstrasse 150, 4057 Basel, Switzerland, Switzerland
Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences
ul. Adolfa Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland