3D Cell Culture: Protection for the Achilles Heel of Active Substance Research?

摘要

On 19 March 2006, the German newspaper 'Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung' described drug tests for clinical Phase I studies as the "Achilles heel of drug development". In this phase, the active substance is administered to a small group of healthy test candidates in concentrations below the therapeutic dose. The clinical trial is preceded by the preclinical test phase, in the final stage of which the active substance is tested in mammals. After the successful completion of the preclinical phase, approximately 10% of all active substances fail due to unexpected side effects in humans. These unexpected side effects can have serious consequences for the test participants. What solution strategies exist in order to reduce such "adverse effects"? 3D cell culture provides promising approaches in order to improve the research of the method of effect of drug candidates. Against the background that essential approval procedures are internationally harmonised, the results of the different 3D cultivation approaches should be intercomparable. From the ranks of the various suppliers, a standard system for 3D culture which best fulfils the requirements of the pharmaceutical industry could become established in the near future.