Abstract

Advanced in vitro Cellular Systems as Platforms for Drug Development

Nikolce Gjorevski, Scientist, Mechanistic Safety, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development

Epithelial organoids are miniature versions of real organs formed by stem cell self-organization.  In combination with Organs-on-a-chip approaches, organoids are promising models of organ development, function and disease, with potential applications in basic research, drug discovery and cell-based therapies. However, their research impact is currently held back by a number of limitations, including dependence on ill-defined matrices, heterogeneity and irreproducibility, and closed, inside-out epithelial structure. We will discuss these caveats, and propose strategies to overcome them, thereby expanding the applicability of organoids as superior in vitro models of organ physiology and disease.