Our Translation & Technologies core covers projects executed in close collaboration with pRED and Roche teams to solve portfolio-relevant challenges. Supported by technology platforms to improve and prototype the scale-up of organoids, expected outcomes are validated, ready-to-use assays, as well as characterised and qualified models.
The Applied Organoid Technologies team drives the transformation of organoid-based models into robust and qualified preclinical and clinical assays – hence leading to the effective adoption of innovative human model systems in drug development. Joining forces with external partners and teams within the IHB and pRED, our research effort entails the characterization of models for the presence and functionality of clinically- and portfolio-relevant features (using transcriptomics, imaging, proteomics and spatial omics). Further, it involves the qualification of human model systems for drug discovery applications through back translation of clinical outcomes and context-of-use validation efforts. By doing so our group acts as a connector between the academic and pharma worlds and fosters effective translational research.
The Organoid Farm laboratory industrializes organoid production by scaling, standardizing and automating organoid culture protocols. The goal of this team is to develop a suite of technologies for mass production of organoids, for example, to enable organoid-based high-content screening applications.
The Phenotyping team develops high-throughput methods for studying and screening complex biological systems such as organoids and patient-derived tissues. These miniaturized automated solutions leverage bioengineering and microfluidics and are suitable for complex quantitative profiling analyses to understand underlying biological processes in healthy and diseased conditions.
These high-throughput assays are used by IHB and pRED researchers throughout the drug development process, from drug screening campaigns to safety studies.
The Roche Cell and Organoid Biorepository expands and cryo-preserves patient-derived organoids. The in vitro 3D cell models reproduce the original tissue physiology and molecular pathology to create more relevant human model systems to enhance the traditional drug discovery process.
The Translation and Strategy team focuses on two main areas.
Firstly, it serves as a key IHB ambassador within Roche, promoting transparency and collaboration. It strives to establish a cohesive space where all relevant departments can work together, fostering a strong network through the establishment of a prominent human model system (HMS) community and clearly defined communication channels. Actively engaging with end users, the team drives the effective adoption of innovative HMS across pRED and Roche.
Secondly, the team drives the evolution of the IHB’s scientific and translational strategy. This includes setting SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) goals, defining milestones, and closely monitoring progress. Ultimately, our goal is to maximise value creation by actively managing the IHB project portfolio, including implementing mechanisms to prioritise and align efforts across pRED and Roche.
We are always looking for talented individuals.
