London, United Kingdom, January 10, 2019 --(PR.com)-- Based on the recent article from *Drug Target Review, three-dimensional cell cultures (spheroids, organoids) are becoming widely used as a new predictive tool in early drug discovery. The use of 3D cell cultures is believed to provide a more physiologically relevant response than monolayer (2D) cell cultures because they closely mimic the extracellular matrix and cell-cell interactions that occur in vivo.

The drug discovery and development pipeline are retooling imaging technologies, such as high content analysis, to accommodate 3D cell cultures as the model of choice.

In a high-content assay, subcellular organelles are analysed by high-resolution images captured by automated microscopes. High content imaging and analysis of 3D cell cultures provides:

� Better predictive information on drug sensitivity
� Improved drug-target validation
� More accurate morphological and functional differentiation

At this year�s 3rd Annual 3D Cell Culture Conference, SMi is delighted to have industry experts share their knowledge and discuss 5 key related sessions to the article above:

Stefan Pryzborski, Professor of Cell Technology, University of Durham on

1) Development & application of bioengineering models if human tissues in vitro on
Novel cell culture technologies are providing new opportunities to bioengineer human tissue constructs in vitro

Such tissue equivalent models enable the development of new in vitro assays and assessment of drug activity

Building models that more accurately simulate normal tissue structure for
R&D use will enhance the predictive accuracy of in vitro assays

Here they demonstrate the potential of such technology to create new opportunities for discovery research, drug assessment and safety screening

Sally Price, Head of Cell and Translational Science, Medicines Discovery Catapult on

2) 3D Cell Culture in the Advancement of Medicines Discovery

The need for 3D models in developing new medicines and current challenges

Developments in 3D models that are advancing medicines discovery

How the Medicines Discovery Catapult is using 3D cell cultures in collaborative projects

Examples/case studies from their work

Melanie Matheu, Founder & CEO, Prellis Biologics on

3) The Future of 3D Cell Culture in Medicine: Blending Medical Devices & Cells to Build Organs

Organ and tissue design and development

State of the art for 3D Bioprinting

Limitations of current systems and methods

Pathways to full organ replacement

*William Mattes, Director, Division of Systems Biology, U.S. Food and Drug Administration on

4) Tools, Not Toys: From Innovation to Regulatory Application

An incredibly important consideration for any new technology is what decisions will be made by its use

The �Context of Use� should guide what information is needed to �validate� a new technology

The role of new technologies in regulatory processes can be informed by Biomarker / Drug Development Tool Qualification process developed by FDA and EMA

*remote presentation

Michael Raghunath, Head of Center for Cell Biology & Tissue Engineering Director Competence Center TEDD, Zurich University of Applied Sciences on

5) Amplification of Extracelluar Matrix via Macromolecular Crowding in 2D, 3D, Cell Culture and in Bioprinting

The importance of the cellular microenvironment in controlling cell behavior and fate

Current highly aqueous culture conditions impair efficient ECM deposition

Overcoming this issue by introducing macromolecular crowding (MMC) into the culture medium of monolayer cultures or hydrogels

MMC adopted by the pharma industry for antifibrotic screening: production of stem cell matrix, and tuning the microarchitecture of bioprinted collagen hydrogels

If you are interested to learn more about the event or book your place visit http://www.3d-cellculture.com/PR2

SMi has tailored sponsorship packages still available, if you are interested contact Alia Malick, Director, on +44 (0) 20 827 6168 or email [email protected]

For media enquiries, contact Simi Sapal on +44 (0) 20 7827 6000 or [email protected]

3D Cell Culture Conference 2019
20 � 21 February 2019
Copthorne Tara Hotel, London, UK

http://www.3d-cellculture.com/PR2
Follow us @SMiPharm
#SMi3DCellCulture

*https://www.drugtargetreview.com/article/37558/expert-view-three-dimensional-cell-cultures-as-predictive-tools-in-early-drug-discovery/

About SMi Group: Established since 1993, the SMi Group is a global event-production company that specializes in Business-to-Business Conferences, Workshops, Masterclasses and online Communities. We create and deliver events in the Defence, Security, Energy, Utilities, Finance and Pharmaceutical industries. We pride ourselves on having access to the world�s most forward-thinking opinion leaders and visionaries, allowing us to bring our communities together to Learn, Engage, Share and Network. More information can be found at http://www.smi-online.co.uk