Skeletal muscle tissue comprises up to 40% of the human body and serves crucial functions in mobility, respiration, and metabolism. It has been difficult to model human skeletal muscle in vitro due to the difficulty in culturing and expanding primary human myoblasts.

Recent advances in stem cell biology have resulted in improved protocols in particular for iPSC-derived skeletal muscle cells. The field is now moving into the generation of improved 3D model systems for skeletal muscle. This is relevant for a better understanding of molecular mechanisms in health and disease, but also for the development of novel treatment options for skeletal muscle disorders.

The purpose is to provide a platform for skeletal muscle on a chip that serves to promote interaction, distribution of knowledge, and provide opportunities for collaboration. Considering that very few therapies for muscle disorders exist, this platform is expected to accelerate the development of new treatment options.