Cutting-edge murine technologies, organ-on-a-chip approaches, 3D bioprinting, advanced imaging techniques and mimicking human organ communication can enhance the reliability of experimental outcomes, reduce the time and cost associated with drug development, and increase the likelihood of clinical success. We’re keeping an eye on established and emerging innovators in the space. See them at BIO 2024.
The only in vitro systemic, high-throughput drug discovery solutions
Participating company
Founding Year: 2021
Headquarters: Switzerland
Industry Focus: Drug discovery, platform technologies, cell culture, cell technology, contract R&D
Funding Status: Seed
Notable Achievements: FluoSphera recently secured a CHF 1.1 million grant from Innosuisse, the Swiss Innovation Agency, for its collaborative project with EPFL and the University of Geneva. The project aims to revolutionize in-vitro solutions for drug discovery by developing innovative assays to improve drug efficacy and safety prediction.
Differentiator: FluoSphera stands out for its unique technology platform that predicts drug effects more accurately by mimicking human organ communication. Their liquid microphysiological systems (MPS) replicate this communication, improving drug prediction BEFORE clinical trials and reducing reliance on animal testing. Having completed a top-tier acceleration program in New York, FluoSphera has attracted significant investments, including a $1 million pre-seed round. This funding will enhance their research and development efforts, speeding up the generation of predictive data for drug discovery.
In vivo model development for accurate pre-clinical drug discovery
Participating company
Founding Year: 1952
Headquarters: New York
Industry Focus: Genetically engineered rodent models and services
Funding Status: Private equity backed
Notable Achievements: In 2020, Taconic became the first animal model provider to offer a program to help labs increase productivity after COVID-19 forced many institutions to stop critical research. In 2022, they launched FcResolv® NOG Portfolio, their newest super immunodeficient mouse models.
Differentiator: Taconic encompasses a global ecosystem of laboratories, breeding facilities, and partnerships to provide murine models. The company specializes in genetically engineered models (GEMs), integrated model design and breeding, and animal health for customers in pre-clinical research.
Since its inception, Taconic has been a leader in animal model innovation. The company introduced the commercialization of germ-free mice in 1961 and remains the only proven commercial source for these models. Taconic was also the first commercial breeder to receive full accreditation from the American Association for the Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) and is the first animal model provider to license CRISPR technology, complementing its extensive gene-editing toolkit to advance genetic research.