In 2019 we are really excited by our OpenLiver™ initiative as we see there being little consensus in the 3D cell culture space about which models are best for specific research questions
WHITEHOUSE, N.J. (PRWEB) January 03, 2019
Over the last few years, researchers have begun to rapidly adopt 3D cell culture models into their drug discovery research workflows with biology ranging from single cell-type spheroids to highly complex iPSC-derived organoids. While these models improve the in vivo relevancy of in vitro studies, they create several challenges that need to be overcome in order to effectively leverage their utility. Visikol has been leading in the field of complex biology characterization since 2012 and over the last few years has built out a contract research service offering that includes 3D cell culture assays, high content screening, high content confocal imaging, 3D tissue imaging, 3D cell culture model development and digital pathology.
This year at SLAS, Visikol will highlight specific 3D cell culture assays and models that it has used to help its Clients address their most complex research questions such as:
- Visikol Solutions Spotlight: High Content 3D Cell Culture Immune Cell Infiltration Assessment: Many pharmaceutical companies are now focused on turning the immune system against cancer and developing novel immune-oncology therapeutics. In 2018, a major area of focus for Visikol was assisting pharmaceutical companies in developing 3D cell culture in vitro systems for quantifying immune cell infiltration into solid tumor models. This session highlighting immuno oncology in vitro assays will be on 2/4/19 from 3:30 – 3:50 pm in the exhibitor theatre and will be hosted by Visikol’s Chief Science Officer Dr. Tom Villani.
- Visikol Solutions Spotlight: Building Consensus in the Liver 3D Cell Culture Model Space Through Open Source Models: While Visikol works with many Clients to develop novel cancer 3D cell culture models, most researchers assessing drug induced liver injury (DILI) and other liver pathologies are interested in standardized and validated models. To help address this need, Visikol has launched its OpenLiver™ initiative which is aimed at providing researchers with standardized open source models for specific research questions in order to optimize cost, complexity, validation and throughput. This session highlighting liver 3D cell culture models will be on 2/5/19 10:30 – 10:50 am in the exhibitor theatre and will be hosted by Visikol’s Director of In Vitro Studies Dr. Erin Edwards.
“In 2019 we are really excited by our OpenLiver™ initiative as we see there being little consensus in the marketplace about which types of models are sufficient for specific DILI questions and modeling liver disease phenotypes. We are hoping to help build this consensus by clearly defining the advantages and disadvantages of liver 3D cell culture models with varying complexity from simple cell-type HepG2 spheroids to multi-cell-type primary human hepatocyte models” described Visikol Director of In Vitro studies Dr. Erin Edwards.
The Visikol team will be hosting the two sessions described above as well as a podium presentation on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 from 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM focused on 3D cell culture assay development. Specifically, the presentation will focus on the high throughput measurement of antibody drug pharmacokinetics and the assessment of penetration of antibodies and conjugates into 3D cell culture models. Many large molecule drugs have difficulty with penetrating into solid tumor models due to their size. To address this problem, Visikol has developed an in vitro screening tool using its proprietary technology to quantify the efficacy as well as penetration kinetics of large molecule drugs.
To chat with the Visikol team about your drug discovery projects, stop by booth #345 or meet one of Visikol’s scientists at the following posters:
- Abstract #: 529513 - Automated Analysis of Images obtained by in vivo Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) for Assessment of the Effect of Ophthalmologic Drugs.
- Abstract #: 529520 Differential response of breast cancer cells cultured in 2D versus 3D to estrogen receptor-targeting therapeutics.
About Visikol
Visikol is a CRO focused on advanced drug discovery that is leading the field of bio-imaging, bioinformatics and image analysis. We conduct end-to-end drug discovery services that include both 2D and 3D in vitro models and assays, 3D whole mount tissue imaging, digital pathology and custom drug discovery projects. Visikol offers a portfolio of drug discovery services ranging from 2D and 3D cell culture model and assay development to in vitro screening, animal tissue histology and automated image processing. The focus of these services is to transform tissues into images and ultimately into quantitative data sets that can be mined for actionable insights that help our Clients make more informed decisions during the drug discovery process. Additionally, Visikol manufactures and sells a suite of tissue clearing reagents and 3D immuno-labeling kits. These products allow researchers to easily and rapidl image whole tissues and 3D cell culture models in 3D instead of traditional 2D sectioning. For more information about Visikol or its services, please visit our website at visikol.com.
