Dynamic42 and EPO Close the Gap in Brain Cancer Research
The partnership connects Dynamic42’s organ-on-chip platforms with EPO’s expertise in translational oncology and access to well-characterized tumor models and patient-derived material. Together, the teams are developing experimental setups designed to reflect human tumor biology more faithfully and generate data that translates more reliably into clinical outcomes.
The first joint projects target glioblastoma and the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Using Dynamic42’s human-based BBB-on-chip model, the partners explore how differences between human and non-human BBB-biology can influence therapeutic responses, which is a major factor for limited activity of brain cancer drugs.
“Too often, critical decisions in drug development rely on data that do not fully reflect human biology,” says Dr. Thomas Sommermann, Head of Cancer Research at Dynamic42. “We want to change that. By bringing human-based models earlier into the process, we can sharpen decision-making and reduce late-stage failure risks.”
“For us, this collaboration is about strengthening the translational link,” adds Jens Hoffmann, CEO at EPO. “Integrating advanced in vitro systems allows us to look at tumor biology from a different angle and to build robust experimental in vivo strategies.”
The collaboration is designed as a complementary approach that connects established preclinical in vivo expertise with emerging human-based in vitro technologies. It supports more targeted, biology-driven research strategies and the principles of the 3Rs (Replace, Reduce, Refine), contributing to the ongoing shift toward more human-relevant experimental systems.
Beyond joint research, the partnership includes model development activities, elaboration of commercialization strategies and close scientific exchange, including collaboration between early-career researchers from both organizations.
Dynamic42 and EPO will jointly present first results of their collaboration at the American Association for Cancer Research® Annual Meeting 2026 (joint scientific poster presented on Monday 4/20/26, 2 – 5 PM, Poster #3401). Visitors are invited to meet the teams at booth #536 to discuss ongoing work and collaboration opportunities.
Both companies plan to expand the collaboration further, exploring additional indications and extending the use of organ-on-chip technologies across different areas of drug development.
About Dynamic42
Dynamic42 manufactures the DynamicOrgan® System, a user-friendly organ-on-chip system that adheres to strict ISO-certified, medical-grade standards. This system, when paired with a wide range of developer, sensor, and reagent kits, enables the creation of diverse models, including gut, lung, liver, vasculature, cancer, and spheroid-on-chip models. Additionally, Dynamic42 offers hands-on and online training courses through its Dynamic42 Academy and provides contract research services for preclinical drug evaluation and custom model development.
About EPO Experimental Pharmacology & Oncology Berlin-Buch GmbH
EPO Experimental Pharmacology & Oncology Berlin-Buch GmbH is a preclinical contract research organization (CRO) with nearly 30 years of experience in oncology drug development. Founded in 1997 as a spin-off from the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in Berlin-Buch, the company is recognized for its scientific expertise and innovation. EPO delivers customized, end-to-end preclinical services in oncology and immuno-oncology. Its portfolio includes over 1,000 well-characterized patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models across around 17 cancer indications, alongside CDX, syngeneic, and humanized mouse models. The company also offers advanced in vitro capabilities, including both 2D and 3D assay systems, supporting comprehensive evaluation of novel anti-cancer therapies.
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