Using 3D cell culture models and high content confocal imaging to evaluate efficacy and expose toxic liabilities in the drug development pipeline

With an increasing push to improve safety, efficacy, and efficiency throughout the drug development pipeline, researchers are evermore looking to improve the predictive capacity of their in vitro models. By employing 3D cell culture models (i.e. spheroids, organoids), which better recapitulate the native tissue environment in comparison to traditional 2D cultures, disease states can be mimicked more effectively, and thus therapeutics can be evaluated in a more meaningful context. Yet the use of these more complex 3D cell culture models stipulates a more sophisticated method of analysis in order to extract the full potential of these models. In this webinar, Erin Edwards of Visikol will discuss 1) how 3D cell culture models can be designed and applied to evaluate new therapeutics, and 2) how tissue clearing and 3D high content confocal imaging can be used to extract the most meaningful conclusions from studies involving 3D cell culture models. Examples will be given from toxicity evaluation (neural, cardiac, liver) and traditional and immuno-oncology.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the differences, pros, and cons of each 2D and 3D cell culture models
2. Learn about specific applications in drug discovery where 3D cell culture models can afford advantages over traditional 2D cell culture models.