BioRegio STERN lead partner in EU’s STEP4NAMs project
(Stuttgart) – BioRegio STERN Management GmbH is the lead partner responsible for the new STEP4NAMs project (Step up the use for new approach methodologies to replace animal testing), which is promoting the use of new approach methodologies (NAMs) that can replace animal testing. The project is funded by the European Union as part of the Interreg North-West Europe (NWE) programme. Over the course of four years, the project aims to drive forward NAMs in an effort to remove the need for animal testing during the develop-ment of drugs and medical devices, while also improving clinical predictions. Ten project partners from six countries are developing a joint strategy to improve the acceptance of NAMs in the pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors, boost research and innovation capacities, and thus drive forward the approval of safe drugs and medical devices. The kick-off meeting was held in Stuttgart on 25/26 February 2025.
Organ-on-chip, organoids, digital twins, bioprinting, or bench-top simulations are all considered NAMs – new approach methodologies. Using the latest technologies, these methodologies simulate an organism and the effects of various active ingredients or interventions. NAMs are now frequently more efficient than animal testing and are permanently improving clinical predictions. The consortium of the European Interreg STEP4NAMs project met for the first time in Stuttgart in February 2025 to discuss and develop the planned project objectives. In concrete terms, the partners will work together over the next four years to develop a joint strategy to promote NAMs, conduct four pilot studies to validate proven methodologies, draw up an NAM validation handbook for researchers and development staff, and establish a training and support programme for various stakeholders.
BioRegio STERN Management GmbH is the lead partner, and responsible for manag-ing, coordinating and implementing the project. „We are focusing on the field of phar-maceutical and medical technology,“ explains project manager Dr. Margot Jehle. „We want to boost research and innovation capacities by implementing and validating cutting-edge technologies. In addition, we want to make it easier to introduce NAMs in the regions involved, because a lack of knowledge and regulatory uncertainty are often reasons for a lack of acceptance.“
STEP4NAMs will make focused use of transnational collaborations between the ten project partners from six countries – Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Ireland, and Luxembourg. Through this approach, it will bring together stakeholders from across the entire value chain and beyond national boundaries. Funded by Interreg North-West Europe (NWE), the project is being overseen by Maelle Lebon as the representative of the project’s sponsor.
STEP4NAMs is the second BioRegio STERN Management GmbH project to promote NAMs. „The European project NAMWISE also deals with this topic, but focusing more on regulations,“ explains Dr. Jehle. „STEP4NAMs, on the other hand, concentrates on applications in the bio-pharma and medtech sectors. We are delighted to be able to set an important focal point and actively drive forward the introduction of NAMs as we roll out these two projects over the coming months.“
The STEP4NAMs project will run for 48 months and has a total budget of EUR6,332,365.47. The EU (ERDF) is contributing 60 percent, which amounts to EUR3,799,419.27. The share for BioRegio STERN Management GmbH is EUR827,645.00, with the EU contributing 60 percent, which equates to EUR496,587.00. The amount to be contributed by BioRegio STERN Management GmbH is therefore EUR331,058.00.
Project partners
Business development & innovation networks life sciences/medtech
BioRegio STERN Management GmbH (Stuttgart, Germany)
Brabant Development Agency (Tilburg, Netherlands)
InnovationQuarter (The Hague, Netherlands)
Eurasante (Loos, France)
Medicen Paris Region (Paris, France)
flanders.bio (Zwijnaarde, Belgium)
Research & science
3R-Center for In vitro Models and Alternatives to Animal Testing (Tübingen, Germany)
Atlantic Technological University (Galway, Ireland)
University of Galway (Galway, Ireland)
University of Luxembourg (Esch sur Alzette, Luxembourg)
Associate partners
Research and science
The Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (Baltimore, USA)
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Brussels, Belgium)
Smart Biomaterials Centre – Reutlingen University (Reutlingen, Germany)
Joint Research Centre (Ispra, Italy)
Health institute
Sciensano, Belgian Institute for Health (Ixelles, Belgium)
Organisation for promoting alternatives to animal testing
Proefdiervrij (The Hague, Netherlands)
Industry & Biotech company
ARTIALIS SA (Liege, France)
About BioRegio STERN Management GmbH:
BioRegio STERN Management GmbH promotes economic development in the life sciences industry, helping to strengthen the region as a business location by supporting innovations and start-up companies in the public interest. It is the main point of contact for company founders and entrepreneurs in the Stuttgart and Neckar-Alb regions, including the cities of Tübingen and Reutlingen.
The STERN BioRegion is one of the largest and most successful bioregions in Germany. Its unique selling points include a mix of biotech and medtech companies that is outstanding in Germany and regional clusters in the fields of automation technology and mechanical and plant engineering.
Company-Contact
BioRegio STERN Management GmbH
Dr. Klaus Eichenberg
Friedrichstraße 10
70174 Stuttgart
Phone: +49 (0)711-870 354 0
E-Mail: 
Url: http://www.bioregio-stern.de/en
Press
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Anja Pätzold
Alexanderstraße 81
70182 Stuttgart
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Url: http://www.zeeb.info
Bildquelle: Leif Piechowski/BioRegio STERN Management GmbH