Cambridge-based CN Bio has launched a new assay kit, ‘Human 24’, designed to improve the prediction of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) – a significant challenge in bringing new medicines to patients. The company, located on Cambridge Science Park, specialises in developing ‘organ-on-a-chip’ (OOC) systems which mimic human organs to accelerate the drug development process.
The new PhysioMimix DILI assay kit builds on CN Bio’s established human-derived liver microphysiological system (MPS) and offers researchers a more robust and human-relevant way to assess the potential for liver damage caused by drug candidates. Traditionally, predicting DILI has relied on animal models or less sophisticated *in vitro* tests, both of which often fail to accurately reflect human biology. This can lead to promising drugs failing in late-stage clinical trials due to unexpected liver toxicity, resulting in significant financial losses and delays for pharmaceutical companies.
CN Bio says Human 24 allows scientists to replicate their leading DILI assay within their own laboratories, providing a deeper understanding of how a drug might affect the liver. By identifying potential issues earlier in the development process, the company hopes to ‘de-risk’ drug development and ensure that only the most promising candidates progress to clinical trials.
Toxicology testing is perhaps the most essential part of developing a new drug
Dr Ovidiu Novac, Senior Scientist and Project Manager for the DILI assay kit at CN Bio.
“With Human 24, PhysioMimix users can now more easily replicate our industry-leading DILI assay in their own lab, providing deeper mechanistic insights into drug-induced hepatoxicity and enabling more confident progression of drug candidates into the clinic.”
The move comes as the pharmaceutical industry increasingly seeks more predictive and human-relevant testing methods. Organ-on-a-chip technology is at the forefront of this shift, offering a potential alternative to animal testing and more accurate modelling of human physiology. CN Bio believes its DILI assay kit will play a critical role in improving drug safety and accelerating the delivery of new treatments to patients.
