Objective

To meet the need for cell-based screening in more complex culture systems than standard 2D cell culture, Horizon Discovery have developed 3D cell-based screens to more closely model the complex physiological environment found in tumours. Our OncoSignature panel of 300 cell lines has been characterised for growth as spheroids to produce a 200 strong panel of spheroid forming lines. Utilising Horizon’s high-throughput platform, data shows clear differentials for some compounds between 2D and 3D cultures in single agent and drug combination screens. In partnership with Cellesce, we have also extended our 3D screening into organoid cultures. Organoid cultures, with increased complexity in terms of structure and cell heterogeneity compared to spheroids, have historically been challenging to utilise in high-throughput screening, however our initial results show encouragingly robust data, with compound activity that is congruent with the genetic characteristics of the organoids.