2017 MI Bioresearch Year in Review
2017 was an exciting year at MI Bioresearch! We saw the expansion of our immuno-oncology models and services develop into a platform of capabilities that cover everything from straightforward anti-tumor efficacy studies to complex drug scheduling/dose combination studies. Much of our platform centers around our phenotypic and functional flow cytometry immune cell analysis abilities and the wide variety of syngeneic model choices. While immuno-oncology has established its place in the current oncology landscape, 2017 still saw a steady and continued use of our human xenograft models and use of our small animal in vivo imaging modalities. The growth in our In Vitro Services was fueled on by our industry leading flow cytometry capabilities but also encompassed in-house histology and immunohistochemistry expertise.
Tumor Model Optimization
The landscape for preclinical cancer research is ever evolving and with it the need for new models to aid in the development of novel therapeutics is vital. MI Bioresearch spent time and resources in 2017 establishing new models and optimizing existing models to better support your needs. Throughout the year we presented Model Spotlights describing some of our new models and providing an overview on established models from both our syngeneic and xenograft collections. At MI Bioresearch, our devotion to exceed our client’s expectations in understanding how these models work and how they can best be used to develop novel drugs is paramount.
Immuno-Oncology Model Spotlights included:
| Murine Colon Cancer MC38 is one of the most commonly utilized syngeneic models to date. MI Bioresearch has been successfully able to acquire this line and we have generated an initial set of in vivo and flow cytometry data with it. |
Murine Ovarian Cancer ID8 which we have optimized as a luc-enabled orthotopic model suitable for in vivo testing with bioluminescence imaging. |
Murine Glioblastoma Model GL261-Luc is one of the most frequently used syngeneic murine glioma models. We have tested anti-PD-1 antibody treatments with and without focal radiation combination. |
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Murine Pancreatic Model Pan02 grows slower in vivo than most syngeneic tumor models but still demonstrates a lack of response to the immune based therapies we’ve tested, suggesting it has a similar “cold” immune phenotype that is typical of pancreatic cancer patients. |
Models of Hematologic Malignancies include the murine AML model, C1498 and the B-cell Lymphoma model, A20. C1498 is a luc-enabled murine AML cell line that grows aggressively in syngeneic mice. A20 data includes evaluation of immunotherapies along with some flow cytometry following treatment with an anti-GITR antibody. |
Murine 4T1-Luc2 Mammary Cancer Model is one of the most commonly utilized syngeneic mouse models of mammary cancer. At MI Bioresearch, we have characterized our 4T1-luc2 model to support studies with novel immuno-oncology agents and demonstrated the utility of focal beam radiation. |
Human Xenograft Model Spotlights included:
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Models for Pancreatic Cancer: MI Bioresearch has several human pancreatic cancer cell lines available to aid in the development of novel therapies. We have optimized and characterized the subcutaneous (SC) growth for several of these models and evaluated their response to gemcitabine treatment. |
MM.1S is a model for Multiple Myeloma that is commonly utilized. We have transfected the MM.1S line with luciferase (MM.1S-pMMP-LucNeo) to enable use of bioluminescence imaging to monitor disseminated disease progression and therapeutic effect over time. |
PC-3M-Luc-C6 is a model for Prostate Carcinoma that MI Bioresearch has optimized as a subcutaneous model, an orthotopic model and a metastatic model. |
Navigating Preclinical Cancer Research Issues
MI Bioresearch has also looked at several issues of importance to the cancer research community. Many members of our Scientific Development team have industry backgrounds allowing us to appreciate the dilemmas associated with navigating good scientific experimental design while being mindful of budgetary constraints. We generated several blogs looking at hot topics such as:
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Preclinical Success to Clinical Failure: Do We Have a Model Problem or an Endpoint Problem? |
The State of Modeling Preclinical Immuno-Oncology Pharmacology |
Challenges of Imaging in the Immuno-Oncology Space |
Added Comprehensive Preclinical Oncology Capabilities
At MI Bioresearch, we strive to provide you with the most comprehensive preclinical oncology services you need. During 2017 we added new capabilities like Phospho-Flow Cytometry and Immunohistochemistry, both of which provide more in-depth analysis of drug response and provide initial insight into the tumor microenvironment. In addition, we highlighted some of our existing services like our Image Analysis capabilities, Luminex based assays and our Radiation Therapy strategies. All of our capabilities are put in place to offer you continuity throughout your drug discovery process.
Advancing Your Preclinical Oncology in 2018
Stay tuned in 2018 as we bring you more Model Spotlights and continue to tackle research issues with our quarterly blogs. New for 2018 will be regular Technology Highlights which will provide more up-to-date information on our in vitro and small animal imaging technologies. For more information on any of these topics, or other topics from our website, be sure to reach out to us or visit our vast Knowledge Center.