Perspectives on the evaluation and adoption of complex in vitro models in drug development: Workshop with the FDA and the pharmaceutical industry (IQ MPS Affiliate)

Complex in vitro models (CIVM) offer the potential to improve pharmaceutical clinical drug attrition due to safety and/ or efficacy concerns. For this technology to have an impact, the establishment of robust characterization and qualifi­cation plans constructed around specific contexts of use (COU) is required. This article covers the output from a workshop between the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Innovation and Quality Microphysiological Systems (IQ MPS) Affiliate. The intent of the workshop was to understand how CIVM technologies are currently being applied by pharma­ceutical companies during drug development and are being tested at the FDA through various case studies in order to identify hurdles (real or perceived) to the adoption of microphysiological systems (MPS) technologies, and to address evaluation/qualification pathways for these technologies. Output from the workshop includes the alignment on a working definition of MPS, a detailed description of the eleven CIVM case studies presented at the workshop, in-depth analysis, and key take aways from breakout sessions on ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion), pharmacology, and safety that covered topics such as qualification and performance criteria, species differences and concordance, and how industry can overcome barriers to regulatory submission of CIVM data. In conclusion, IQ MPS Affiliate and FDA scientists were able to build a general consensus on the need for animal CIVMs for preclinical species to better determine species concordance. Furthermore, there was acceptance that CIVM technologies for use in ADME, pharmacology and safety assessment will require qualification, which will vary depending on the specific COU.

Novel three dimensional human endocervix cultures respond to 28-day hormone treatment

The endocervix has both anatomical and biological functions that participate in the delicate balance between tolerance necessary for conception and protection from pathogens. Our goal was to develop a robust 3-dimensional (3D) endocervix model that was a reliable representation of the in vivo tissues and to identify the physiological responses to changing levels of steroid hormones during a 28-day time period. Human endocervical cells were grown on polystyrene scaffolds, and the morphologic and hormonal responses of cultured cells were assessed in response to fluctuating levels of estradiol (E2) or progesterone (P4). Morphologically, the 3D cultures were composed of a mixed population of cells, including epithelial and stromal cells. Treatment with E2 and P4 (d 28) increased cell growth and proliferation as compared with no treatment control. Cells expressed estrogen receptor and P4 receptor and produced both neutral and acidic mucins, including Mucin 16. In addition, a 45-plex Luminex assay identified numerous factors secreted and regulated by hormones. Specifically, IL-1β and leukemia inhibitory factor significantly decreased in the presence of E2 and P4 as compared with the no hormone control at day 26. Cotreatment with RU486 (mifepristone) attenuated the inhibition of IL-1β and leukemia inhibitory factor secretion. In summary, a robust, novel 3D endocervical culture was developed, and physiologic responses to the menstrual cycle mimic of E2 and P4 levels for a period of 28 days were identified.