Complement-ARIE NAMs Reduction to Practice Challenge

Recent technological advances have paved the way for a renewed interest in human-based solutions, called novel approach methodologies (NAM) that can complement, and in some cases replace, animal models in research and regulatory testing. These NAMs generally cover advanced cellular, tissue organoids (in vitro), computer modeling (in silico) and acellular biochemical analysis (in chemistry), each type of NAM offering different advantages. A combination and integration of multiple NAM elements into a synergistic approach that augments the shortcomings and/or deficiencies of individual NAM approaches is “combinatorial NAM” and may ultimately lead to improved predictions of human clinical response. Although many combinatorial NAMs are still in the early stages of development, neither validated nor standardized, nor widely available in the marketplace, combinatorial NAMs have the potential to transform the way biomedical research, drug development, and clinical trials are conducted. To accelerate the development and validation of combinatorial NAMs for human-based scientific and regulatory purposes, the Complement-Animal Research In Experimentation (Complement-ARIE) program of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Joint Fund, in collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is launching the Reduction to Practice (RTP) Challenge. This challenge invites innovative multidisciplinary teams to find combinatorial NAM solutions capable of successfully demonstrating the implementation of their human solution in a practical, usable form over a 3-year period. Solvers will have the chance to win up to $1,430,000 in cumulative cash prizes and have their solution receive validation and/or qualification support from the Complément-ARIE Validation and Qualification Network (VQN). This Challenge is open to the public.

Reward: $7,000,000 total

Opening date: Phase 1 – September 30, 2025, Phase 2 – July 2, 2026; Phase 3 – August 1, 2027

Closing date: Phase 1 – March 1, 2026

For more information, visit: https://www.herox.com/Complement-ARIE-RTP