Newcells Biotech launches high-content, high-throughput imaging suite to advance preclinical drug development programs

Newcells Biotech (“Newcells”), a leading drug discovery partner specializing in the development of in vitro Models and customized testing services to improve the prediction of in vivo human outcomes, today announced the launch of its imaging suite and advanced lung fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition (FMT) test. The state-of-the-art imaging suite consists of high-content and high-throughput devices and complements the company’s service offering to provide deeper and more robust in vitro data. Newcells has developed a suite of tests to leverage these capabilities, allowing researchers to accelerate programs with greater confidence in drug efficacy and localization. in vivo.

Newcells offers a range of physiologically relevant and functionally validated iPSC and primary cell models to help drug developers de-risk preclinical decisions and improve clinical translation. The new suite includes state-of-the-art imaging capabilities for Newcells' in vitro Retina, kidney and lung models, now with the enhanced lung FMT test. It has imaging systems to maximize data generation and analysis in the respective application areas; an ImageXpress^® HT.ai confocal high-content imaging system to enable high-content imaging and highly multiplexed assays, a ZEISS Axio Observer system with Apotome 3 for imaging multiple sample formats, and an ImageXpress Pico Automated Cell Imaging System for a wide range of assays.

The advanced, high-throughput, high-sensitivity lung FMT assay enables customizable and rapid assessment of the efficacy of antifibrotic drug candidates. Building on the success of Newcells' existing FMT assay, the enhanced version delivers higher resolution data and simultaneous assessment of four separate data outputs for more accurate selection and prediction of drug effects on pulmonary fibrosis. By using advanced imaging and quantification technology, the assay improves the understanding of a compound's effect in vitro impacts and can be used to better inform the progress of development programs.

The launch of our new imaging suite and enhanced screening test for fibrotic diseases is an important step in our strategy to provide innovative, market-leading in vitro models that advance the discovery and safe development of new drugs. We are committed to continuously innovating our solutions to stay up to date and best support our customers' research needs.”

Dr. Mike Nicholds, CEO and co-founder of Newcells Biotech

He continued: “As the capabilities of analytical technology in imaging and omics continue to expand, we see opportunities to provide even more value to our customers by applying these techniques to provide mechanistic data on how innovative new therapies affect human tissues and organs. This latest investment in imaging gives customers the ability to collect valuable information to support discovery and translation into clinical trials.”