On Oct. 12, 2022, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (FHCRC) announced the Bezos family had committed $710.5 million over the next decade to accelerate the Hutch’s multifaceted approach to scientific discovery. The landmark gift builds on previous Bezos family funding for research in immunotherapy treatments using the body’s own immune system to attack cancerous or diseased cells.

Scientists are developing a tissue chip made of different types of skin cells that can mimic the skin’s responses to drugs to predict reactions of this sensitive organ. Having a laboratory-based system to test drugs for skin toxicity could lead to more accurate and quicker safety tests, enabling scientists to make new and safer drugs available to patients more quickly. Scientists also could use the chip technology to study skin disorders and find new treatments.