Microphysiological Systems for Drug Development
Microphysiological systems (MPS) are revolutionizing drug discovery and screening by providing human-relevant models that better predict clinical outcomes. MPS replicate the 3D architecture, mechanical forces, and cellular interactions within human tissues, offering significant improvements over traditional 2D cell culture and animal models in terms of biological fidelity, disease relevance, and predictive power. By integrating human iPSC-derived cells into MPS platforms, researchers can bridge the “translational gap” in the drug development process, model complex disease phenotypes, evaluate drug efficacy, and assess toxicity earlier in the development pipeline, thereby reducing late-stage failures and improving drug development success. As regulatory agencies and biotech and pharmaceutical companies increasingly recognize the value of MPS, these systems are becoming central to the future of safer, faster, more cost-effective, and ultimately more successful drug development.
In collaboration with 12 leading platform and technology providers, Axol Bioscience has assembled a set of application notes that demonstrate the use of iPSC-derived neurons, sensory cells, and cardiomyocytes with MPS systems, organoid platforms, multielectrode arrays, and transcriptome assays. This set of notes is available as the “Axol Bioscience iPSCs and MPS Technical Journal, 2025”.
Axol Provides the High-Quality iPSC-Derived Cells Required for MPS Systems
Powerful drug discovery platforms, such as MPS, rely on robust, high-quality cells to fuel their operation. Axol is a major B2B supplier of cells to platform providers and end users in the MPS, microfluidic, and organ-on-a-chip (OOC) space. We prioritize the consistency and quality of cell products, as well as the ease and speed of protocols; both are key to overall partner and end-customer satisfaction. With an ISO 9001:2015 accredited manufacturing facility and over a decade of experience in the human iPSC space, we understand that high-quality differentiation is challenging, with significant risks and costs if not performed correctly.
Central to our capabilities is a library of human donor iPSCs, axoLines™, from which we offer iPSC-related project work via our axoServices™ and highly consistent and quality-differentiated end-point axoCells™. We also offer our iPSC expertise to leading biopharma and research organizations globally, producing iPSC-derived cells from their own cell lines through full-service differentiation from iPSCs to endpoint cells, with robust characterization and ongoing support from our expert scientists.
Manufactured cells, specialist media, and supplements can be shipped directly back to you, sent to a CRO third party, or used directly in our service facility for the seamless continuation of your study. We provide cells to platform providers and end-users who need endpoint cells for their screening programs.
Collaboration Drives Better Disease Models
Our collaborations leverage innovative technologies and expertise to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the drug discovery process. Our tried-and-tested workflow is utilized by leading biopharma and research organizations globally to provide human iPSC-derived cells with robust characterization for use in a wide range of platforms and applications.
Platforms using axoCellsTM
Axol Bioscience axoCells are in use with a wide range of 3rd party platforms (see below).
Download the MPS Journal 2025
The Tech Journal, which will be launched at the premier MPS conference, MPS 2025, in Brussels in June, features 12 application notes demonstrating the use of Axol’s iPSC-derived cells with a range of systems.
Cells featured include atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes, sensory and motor neurons, and microglia, which are used in conjunction with a range of MPS systems, organoid platforms, multielectrode arrays, and transcriptome assays.
