Advances in 3D Cell Culture in Drug Research, Discovery and Biologic Manufacture

Cellular research is optimal when using physiologically relevant cell phenotypes and genotypes of human origin. This assertion has accelerated the adoption of primary cells, stem cells, and, increasingly, patient-specific cells in drug discovery. Over the past five years, technological improvements in 3D cell culture technology, to better mimic in vivo physiology, have also advanced. This is true not only in the areas of cancer and neurological research, but also in the assessment of clinical candidates for metabolic and toxicological liabilities. Furthermore, 3D cell culture is facilitating novel approaches to both the scale-up and manufacture of biologics, including those used in immuno- and stem cell-based therapies.