Platform for ex vivo growth of patient-specific multiple myeloma cells in native-like microenvironment: towards xeno-free production on demand (PERSONAE)
Description of the project:
Multiple myeloma (MM), an incurable cancer of the bone marrow plasma cells, is the second most frequent hematological malignancy. Despite growing number of approved therapeutics, proliferative clonal myeloma plasma cells (MPCs) persist in bone marrow, even in patients where minimal residual disease (MRD) is not evident. Existing treatment options are generalized, often ineffective, and highly toxic, emphasizing the urgency for personalized oncology development. However, no bone marrow in vitro drug testing system has been available for extensive drug response assessment. This project aims to develop a miniaturized, xeno-free platform that mimics the myeloma bone marrow microenvironment for the growth of patient-specific MPCs using human platelet-released factors, adjusted oxygen levels, and patient-derived mesenchymal stromal cells as feeder layers. MPC quality is monitored through immunophenotype, proliferation, clonality, and DNA index analyses. The platform targets high-throughput, low-cost anti-myeloma drug screening and personalized response prediction for use in biopharma, clinical research, and healthcare settings, with a defined commercialization strategy at local and global levels.
Тип пројекта:
Proof of Concept