ZEISS Invests in Life-Science Startup InSphero for 3D Cell Culture Research

Links ZEISS research and capabilities in automated, high-resolution 3D imaging and analysis

Published: Wednesday, April 19, 2023 - 12:00

(ZEISS: Oberkochen, Germany) -- ZEISS Ventures is investing in life-science startup InSphero to further advance the adoption of 3D microtissues in research and drug development. InSphero AG, a pioneer in 3D spheroid and cell-based assays in pharmaceutical drug discovery and safety testing, has raised an eight-figure amount in its latest funding round. It will utilize the proceeds to commercialize its cryopreservation technology to enable further growth and scalability. ZEISS Ventures is participating in the financing round, along with internal and external investors.

InSphero’s comprehensive solutions for preclinical drug safety and efficacy testing are based on 3D microtissues, which are phenotypic models of the smallest functional unit of a tissue or organ. These drug-discovery and testing platforms combine scalable 3D technology, ISO quality-controlled 3D human tissue models, 3D-optimized media, as well as tailored assay services and support. Drug discovery partners immediately gain access to the depth and breadth of InSphero’s experience in developing and applying 3D models for liver toxicology, metabolic diseases, and oncology.

ZEISS Ventures invests in life-science startup InSphero to drive 3D cell culture research.

“The market for complex 3D in-vitro models is very attractive and is experiencing new tailwinds with the FDA Modernization Act,” says Gerrit Schulte, head of ZEISS Ventures. “This act elevates alternative methods for drug development to the same level as animal testing. InSphero has uniquely positioned itself with its highly industrialized platform solution to address this market opportunity.”

Dr. Jan Lichtenberg, CEO and co-founder of InSphero, says, “The widespread use of 3D microtissues following the ratification of the FDA Modernization Act requires efficient, automation-compatible, and scalable 3D models quickly. Our groundbreaking, cryopreserved ARCTis 3D microtissue portfolio offers a storable, always ready-to-use solution to efficient and insightful compound testing. We are on the way to becoming the biggest 3D microtissue biobank in the world.”

“The strategic investment in InSphero is perfectly aligned with our strategic initiative—life-science industrialization,” says Dr. Michael Albiez, head of ZEISS research microscopy solutions. “We will leverage the ZEISS know-how and establish our technologies as a key enabler for widely adopted and standardized workflows in applied life sciences and healthcare. We look forward to intensive collaboration with InSphero to provide customers with end-to-end workflows.”

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