3D printed brain helps characterize 11 lead compounds, neuropathological research

The stem cell research and therapeutics company Celprogen has identified and characterized 11 lead compounds for potential drug candidates for the treatment of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Glioblastoma using its 3D model system.

Jay Sharma, CEO and CSO of Celprogen told us, “The 3D model system is unique since it represents the data generated closer to in-vivo data, eliminates animal studies, and represents patient’s brain physiological format.”​

Celprogen is currently validating a 3D printed, heart, pancreas, liver, hair follicle, and brain for toxicology and drug discovery research and development.

Sharma said that Celprogen is already conducting studies for “big pharma” on lead compounds for neurological disease targets.

“The model system actually represents the in-vivo study and the successful rate at clinical is greater when compared to monolayer cell culture studies for toxicology and efficacy,”​ explained Sharma.

Organoids and organ-on-chips​

Celprogen’s 3D printed organoid was used for examining the role of microglia activation and deactivation in neurological diseases. The majority of research on microglia​ has been performed in rodent models which have differences in their microglia.

Across the industry, poor animal study design and reporting have raised concerns​ about whether current processes are the best way to conduct effective and efficient drug development.

3D model systems aim to better inform risk-based decisions in drug development, and many companies are entering the market. In 2014, Organovo​ 3D printed human liver systems for absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME), and toxicology testing.

Emulate​ recently announced it was working to further develop its Human Emulation System comprised of instrumentation, software applications, and Organ-Chips. The company said that the Organ-Chip can recreate the natural physiology and mechanical forces that cells experience with the human body enabling advances across the drug discovery and development process.

The efforts to create technology to advance preclinical research has not gone unnoticed. Emulate established collaboration agreements with companies such as AstraZeneca​, Roche​, Takeda, Merck​, and Janssen.