28bio’s Groundbreaking Study on CNS-3D Brain Organoids
In a noteworthy revelation in the field of neurotechnology, 28bio recently announced the results of their Endurance Study during the Society for Toxicology's 65th Annual Meeting in San Diego, California. The study aimed to assess the efficacy of
CNS-3D Brain Organoids in predicting clinical seizure liability associated with small molecule drugs. With a remarkable predictive accuracy of
83% sensitivity and
89% specificity, this innovative approach far surpasses traditional animal models, showcasing a
13-fold increase in predictive capability.
Understanding the Study
The research was conducted as a retrospective non-interventional study, analyzing data from
120,551 patients with documented clinical outcomes. The primary focus was on the seizure risk posed by various small molecule drugs, a critical area in drug development plagued by uncertainties in predicting adverse CNS effects. According to
Chris Butt, PhD, 28bio’s VP of Technology, these findings indicate that CNS-3D organoids outperform conventional models, propelling a new era of safer drug development.
The implications are extensive. CNS toxicity is responsible for approximately
25% of failures in drug discovery and development. Current assessments often fail to capture seizure liabilities during
Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) toxicology studies, revealing significant limitations in relying solely on animal models for predicting human neurological outcomes.
Regulatory Emphasis on Human-Relevant Models
The FDA and NIH have begun emphasizing the necessity for more human-relevant models in safety assessments.
David Weiner, MD, Co-chairman of 28bio, highlighted this regulatory push, mentioning the increasing support for
new approach methodologies. The recent study exemplifies how 28bio’s CNS-3D Brain Organoids can fill the gap, providing crucial predictiveness in guiding CNS safety decisions, ultimately leading to more reliable advances in first-in-human trials.
A New Era for Drug Development
The results of the Endurance Study not only exceed previous reports on 2D and 3D cell-based assays but also align with regulatory agencies' recommendations. By leveraging the
Nexon™ platform—which integrates tissue engineering, neural interfacing, and AI—28bio is committed to addressing today’s neurological health crisis. This platform is set to revolutionize how researchers can anticipate which therapies will succeed in human trials, dramatically reducing clinical failure rates in neurological drug development.
Conclusion
In summary, 28bio’s Endurance Study heralds a significant shift in our understanding of predicting drug-induced seizure liabilities. By offering a model that is
13 times more predictive than traditional animal studies, this research paves the way for ethical, innovative, and effective strategies in the pharmaceutical industry. Following these developments, the future looks promising for
CNS-3D Brain Organoids as they become a staple in neurological drug advancement, ensuring safer options for patients in need. To stay updated on their progress and further research, enthusiasts can follow 28bio on LinkedIn.
References
- - Wang, et al. (2022). Assessment of a 3D neural spheroid model to detect pharmaceutical-induced neurotoxicity. ALTEX, 39(4), 560–582.
- - Walker, et al. (2018). Drug discovery and development: Biomarkers of neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration. Experimental Biology and Medicine, 243, 1037-1045.