(1190-C) 3D organoid assays for compound screening and optimization

Abstract: 3D cell culture models better represent the in vivo organ state than traditional 2D cellular systems. The increase in complexity and provision of a more native context can reduce costs and speed up drug development. For pharmaceutical research, reproducible 3D cell culture systems are required to accurately measure compound or modality activity in high throughput. Here, we describe the evolution of high-throughput 3D cell culture systems at Nuvisan: from the BMBF-funded establishment of 3D tumor spheroids, screening-compatible assay systems on 384-well plates to 3D fibroblast invasion. We also developed a simple 3D model of polycystic kidney disease and established patient-derived cancer organoids (IMI funded). Finally, we depict our current efforts in human iPSC-derived 3D organoid models on 384-well plates to enable compound screening and characterization. These model systems are compatible with a variety of readouts including high-content imaging, calcium-flux analysis, (single cell) RNA sequencing, proteomics, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and multielectrode array to enable full exploration and exploitation of these more complex models.​