17 December 2024 – Press Release

Swiss researchers want to develop the world’ s first semi-automated machine for producing biomechanically loaded in vitro bone models to detect bone metastases from blood samples. The Bon3OID™ -MSP project, a collaboration between life science start-up CompagOs AG, Swiss technology innovation center CSEM, and the University of Fribourg (UniFr), has been approved by Innosuisse. The total project costs exceed CHF 750’000. 

Bone metastasis is a critical complication in many cancers. Patients with bone metastases are incurable and face debilitating complications such as fractures. To prevent these issues and related costs, they must be diagnosed earlier and more accurately than with clinical imaging methods, which only capture the visible damage caused by metastasis. CompagOs’ in vitro bone models, Bon3OID™, can be used as functional assays to provide information earlier by measuring the underlying biological propensity of patients’ cells to cause bone metastasis. With over 2 million new patients diagnosed with bone metastases globally each year, there is a growing need for such an assay. To meet this demand, CompagOs partnered with CSEM and UniFr to scale up the mechanical stimulation and 3D bioprinting processes involved in producing the Bon3OID™ in vitro models.

The global cancer market, valued at over CHF 200 billion, offers immense opportunities. In addition to the Bon3OID™ technology, there is considerable potential in other areas of bone health. With a lack of diagnostic tools for the early detection of osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis, the market is ripe for expansion, opening new application areas.

3D bioprinting in vitro bone models

The technology behind Bon3OID™ in vitro models results from over 10 years of research, including 10 publications, 4 PhD theses, and a grant from Personalized and Related Technologies. These models are created through cyclic mechanical loading of 3D bioprinted human mesenchymal stem cell-laden hydrogels. 

CompagOs’ project application has been approved by Innosuisse to help automate the production process. The 24-month project will help develop a platform with the potential to make a significant impact on both cancer patients and the healthcare system. “We are excited Press release Swiss researchers aim to develop a platform for 3D In-Vitro Bone Models Enabling Early Detection of Bone Metastasis and proud to receive support from Innosuisse. This supports expedites translation of our innovation to a market with unmet clinical need” , said Gian Nutal Schädli, CEO of CompagOs. 

CompagOs’ 3D models are unique, incorporating multiple cell types within a dynamic environment. CSEM is the ideal partner to scale up production, thanks to its past contributions to the industrialization of cutting-edge in vitro model solutions. “To reduce batch-to-batch variability and meet the growing demand, process automation and standardization is crucial. We are confident that we can help CompagOs automate production to meet the regulatory and quality standards required for clinical solutions”, said Gilles Weder, Head Research & BD Life Sciences at CSEM.

The project also aims to validate the models in a clinical environment. The Laboratory of Applied Cancer Research (LACR) at UniFr has the expertise in advanced blood analysis and samples will be collected from patients with cancer treated at the Hospital of Fribourg (HFR). First experiments will focus on samples from patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which leads to bone metastasis particularly quickly and with high probability. “There is a significant unmet need within this patient group, as bone metastases might become visible at later stage and specific treatments could improve patients’ outcome, if given on time. We are excited to support this project and contribute to developing solutions for these patients”, said Prof. Alessandra Curioni, Head of Oncology at HFR and Chair of Oncology at UniFr. Future expansions to other indications, such as breast, prostate and renal, are possible as these cancers also frequently spread to bones.

Preparing for the market

The outcome of the project will be a semi-automated, standardized process that increases production capacity. CompagOs plans to use this scaled system to conduct a clinical study, aiming to gather the data needed for market entry.