Disease Modeling

Physiologically relevant disease models are increasingly critical in translating your candidate into the clinic.

Our wide array of human and murine disease models covers various physiological and pathological conditions to provide you with the tools to translate your therapeutic into the clinic. These include those relating to neurodegeneration, oncology, immuno-oncology, inflammation and autoimmunity, and fibrosis. 

• We source and culture a variety of human iPSC-derived cell types, combining them to build representative, human-relevant in vitro systems tailored to your needs. This enables you to answer the pertinent questions you have before transitioning into the clinic
• Our 3D spheroid models and organotypic culture systems provide you with the knowledge you need to make truly informed decisions about taking your therapeutic into the clinic
• We can test your candidate therapeutics in human iPSC-derived cells carrying disease-associated mutations and isogenic controls which provide you with a clear disease-relevant understanding of the impact of your therapeutic 

Disease modeling throughout drug development 

Drug discovery and development continues the significant shift toward human-centric disease models. This is driven by the high failure rates in clinical studies where data from traditional pre-clinical models have been a significant factor in failing to deliver equivalent results in the clinic.  

A drug candidate's entry into clinical trials heavily relies on efficacy and safety data derived from animal models. However, animal models frequently fail to effectively screen out harmful or ineffective drugs and can also exclude potentially effective drug candidates from entering clinical trials. Therefore, human-based models now serve as indispensable tools throughout the drug development journey. 

Our disease modeling platforms provide:   

• Assay complexity: Models range from simple monoculture assays to more intricate versions involving two or more cell types 
• Cell diversity: Utilizes cell lines, primary cells, iPSC-derived cells, or combinations thereof within the assays 
• Culture system variability: Assays are conducted in both 2D and 3D culture systems, expanding the scope and depth of modelling capabilities

Example applications of disease modeling assays 

Utilizing 3D models enhances translational relevance, enabling assessment of compound effects on proliferation and cytotoxicity in a more physiologically relevant environment.

In 2D cultures, Doxorubicin exhibited cytotoxic effects in both BT474 and A549 cells, while the compound's EC50 was increased in A549 and BT474 showed resistance in 3D cultures. Entinostat showed potent cytotoxic effects in HepG2 and BT474 grown in 2D. However, when tested in 3D, EC50s were comparable or only moderately increased.

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