Pharma and R&D
Functional Drug Testing Powered by Patient-Derived Microtumors
We de-risk therapeutic pipelines by combining patient-derived microtumors with microfluidic automation, delivering rapid, reproducible, and translationally relevant functional response data.
Why Partner with Encapsulate?
Oncology drug development requires preclinical models that accurately predict clinical outcomes. Our automated tumor-on-a-chip platform addresses current predictive limitations by complementing standard genomic profiling with direct functional evaluation.
By evaluating the response of patient tumors to therapeutic agents, we deliver the empirical data required to de-risk lead candidates, stratify patient populations, and support robust IND submissions.
Biological Fidelity
Recreate patient-specific tumor microenvironments in controlled, microfluidic systems that preserve 3D architecture, cellular heterogeneity, and stromal interactions.
Actionable Functional Data
Generate functional tumor models directly from patient biopsies, retaining clinically relevant phenotypes and patient-specific drug sensitivities.
Scalable Reproducibility
Utilize standardized workflows and automated systems to ensure assay reproducibility across studies and meet the throughput demands of your pipeline.
Exposure Modeling
Leverage purpose-built microfluidics for programmable dosing, controlled perfusion, and dynamic fluid handling to model clinical exposure profiles.
Rapid Assay Execution
Achieve fast tumoroid formation from patient samples, allowing for the rapid execution of complex biological assays to keep R&D programs on schedule.
Preclinical Study Types
We design and execute functional assays tailored to your specific drug development phase, from early discovery to translational validation.
Efficacy Screening
Profile therapeutic response across diverse patient-derived samples to identify responsive subpopulations and support precision medicine strategies.
Dose-Response & Potency Profiling
Define therapeutic response across dose ranges to generate potency curves, calculate IC50 metrics, and inform lead selection.
Patient Stratification
Profile therapeutic response across varied patient-derived samples to identify responsive subpopulations and guide clinical trial design.
Combination Screening
Test rational drug combinations to uncover synergistic effects and overcome resistance mechanisms.
Resistance Modeling
Characterize intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms across patient-derived models to inform next-line strategies.
Toxicity & Therapeutic Window
Interrogate how therapies impact tumor viability, signaling pathways, and cellular interactions.
Combination Screening
Test rational drug combinations to uncover synergistic effects and overcome resistance mechanisms.
Biomarker & Response Correlation
Link functional treatment responses with molecular, histologic, or phenotypic biomarkers to support patient stratification and translational research.
Therapeutic Modalities
Standard-of-Care Chemotherapies
Evaluate pathway-specific inhibitors in relevant tumor contexts.
Targeted Therapies
Evaluate pathway-specific inhibitors in relevant tumor contexts.
Immuno-Oncology Agents
Assess immune-mediated responses in models that preserve tumor-immune microenvironment interactions.
Standard-of-Care Chemotherapies
Benchmark new candidates against existing treatment regimens.
Cancer Types Supported
We evaluate therapies across a wide range of solid tumors from patient-derived tissues:
- Colorectal cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Lung cancer (NSCLC)
(Note: Additional indications are available based on clinical sample availability.)
We also support assay execution using established cell line models including breast cancer, lymphoma, NSCLC, osteosarcoma, and cervical cancer.
If it can be biopsied, we can model it.
Data & Deliverables
Actionable Drug Response Data
- Dose-response curves and efficacy metrics
- Responder vs. non-responder stratification
- Comparative performance across therapies or combination strategies
High-Content Readouts
- Quantitative imaging-based phenotypic analysis
- Rigorous viability and cytotoxicity metrics
- Morphological tracking
- Biomarker expression profiling
Dynamic Treatment Response Insights
- Time-course treatment effects and longitudinal monitoring
- Response profiling under programmed dosing schedules
- Exposure-response behavior in controlled microfluidic conditions
Translational Insights
- Patient-specific response variability
- Resistance signatures
- Data to support go/no-go decisions
- Biomarker-response correlations
Comprehensive Reports
- Delivered in standardized, pharma-ready formats designed to integrate seamlessly into your R&D workflows, including summary reports, structured datasets, visual outputs, and presentation-ready findings.
Engagement Models
Sample-to-Data
You provide patient biopsies
We generate microtumors and deliver full drug response datasets
Model-to-Data
You provide PDOs or tumor samples
We run the functional studies using our platform
Drug Testing Partnerships
You provide the compounds (standard of care or pipeline assets)
We evaluate efficacy across relevant patient-derived models
Custom Study Design
Your provide your program goals
We collaborate to aligned design studies, from early discovery to translational validation
Accelerate Your Preclinical Pipeline
Speak with Our Scientific Team Today