life sciences

Bridging the⁣ Gap: A New Platform to Enhance African Portrayal in Preclinical 3D disease Modeling

A⁤ significant disparity exists in global preclinical research, particularly in 3D cancer modeling, with African contributions severely underrepresented. A ​map illustrating the global distribution ⁤of these studies highlights this neglect,visually marking the continent with a “no-entry” symbol.To address this critical gap, a new 3D preclinical ​platform has been established through a collaboration between the Center for‌ 3D Models of Health and Disease at University college London and​ the Department of Surgery at ‍the University of ⁤the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partnership with the Infectious Disease and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI).

This platform is designed to accelerate the adoption of biomimetic, patient-derived 3D disease models – such as organoids – throughout Africa. Its core aim is to empower African scientists to develop and utilize models that accurately reflect⁤ the region’s ‌unique ⁤genetic, environmental, behavioural, and lifestyle factors. ⁢This‌ is vital for advancing research into both cancer and infectious diseases,and for⁢ contributing to globally‍ relevant drug ⁤discovery and precision medicine initiatives.

The platform promises to generate inclusive and clinically relevant disease models, facilitating the identification of cancer-causing factors specific to local populations and improving⁣ prevention, early detection, and precision treatment strategies. Researchers will leverage advanced tools like multiomics ‌and artificial intelligence to deepen understanding of tumour behavior‌ and pinpoint novel treatment targets. The resulting models will ​also support drug growth and repurposing efforts, ultimately leading to more effective and personalized therapies for African patients.

Capacity building is a central tenet ⁣of the​ platform’s mission. A recent workshop, “Preclinical Modelling of Cancer in 3D:​ Tissue utility and data analysis for diversity, equity, and inclusion,”⁢ introduced researchers to the technical and translational ‍potential of 3D models (details⁣ available at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-wSTa38OwxAXa9nV6qLhc1lXX5aPcfZs/view?usp=sharing). The platform⁤ will foster a long-term pipeline for scientific training, mentorship,⁢ and ⁤collaborative research, with a​ focus on⁣ engaging industry stakeholders to explore the scalability and commercialization of African-developed models, driving both innovation and self-sufficiency.

By ⁢prioritizing equity and representation in discovery research, this platform exemplifies ⁢the potential of African-led science to ​reshape and improve ⁣global health understanding. International partnerships are crucial to reversing historical patterns of exclusion and providing the ‍necessary tools‍ to effectively understand and treat disease across all populations.