InSphero AG has entered into an agreement with Pfizer to develop a novel predictive toxicology assay using InSphero’s 3D InSight Human Liver Microtissues. This mechanistic in vitro assay aimd to leverage the enhanced sensitivity and longevity of InSphero 3D liver models to help detect and predict mechanisms of drug toxicity.

The agreement involves InSphero scientists in the U.S. Brunswick, ME and Schlieren, Switzerland facilities, with input from Pfizer scientists.

InSphero chief executive officer and co-founder, Dr. Jan Lichtenberg, said, “Our 3D liver models enable researchers to better predict potential toxicity and side-effects using more biologically relevant cell based assays. These models may also help reduce dependency on animal models that add significant cost, delay time to market, and often fail to accurately reflect how humans will respond to a drug. We already have a long-standing relationship with Pfizer and this new agreement will enable the development of assays with potentially even greater utility and predictive power for Pfizer’s early drug development.”