MIMETAS Opens Phenotypic Screening Center

MIMETAS, the global leader in human-relevant organ-on-a-chip models, has just opened their Phenotypic Screening Center. The center facilitates large-scale screening campaigns on Organ-on-a-Chip models, a powerful technology that improves the human physiological relevance of cultured tissues by utilising microfluidic techniques. In contrast to other Organ-on-a-Chip platforms, the MIMETAS OrganoPlate^® technology offers the scalability and the throughput needed for drug discovery studies.

“We are very proud to open up this new center,” said Jos Joore, CEO of MIMETAS. “Our new Phenotypic Screening Center facilitates high-throughput organ-on-a-chip screening combined with high-content imaging and machine learning data analysis to identify drug candidates for today’s unmet medical needs. Our customers understand that human-relevant disease models should be at the basis of every drug discovery effort. Moreover, these cutting-edge technologies stimulate the creativity and purpose of our scientists to make a difference in the lives of patients.”

Largest organ-on-a-chip compound screen

MIMETAS recently reported a successful 1,546 compound screen in duplicate on a 3D angiogenesis assay in the OrganoPlate^® 3-lane 64. Promising hit compounds from this screen are currently under investigation. “To our knowledge, this is the largest organ-on-a-chip screen ever reported,” explained Joore. “We partner with large pharmaceutical companies, that need our disease model screening expertise, and can bring promising candidates to the clinic fast. In this way, we make sure that we bring novel drugs to patients in the most efficient manner.”

New energy-neutral laboratory

The brand-new screening center is located in the new head office of MIMETAS at the shore of the Old Rhine, the ancient northern border of the Roman Empire. It is the first energy-neutral laboratory building in the Netherlands. This sustainable building has accomplished a 40% carbon dioxide reduction by reusing materials from a former Leiden University complex. Joore adds: “It is highly inspiring to perform our research surrounded by materials recycled from labs where Nobel-prize winners have done their groundbreaking science.”

Source: HollandBIO, MIMETAS