New panel of cell-based tests may help screen potential treatments

Ncardia has introduced a ready-to-use panel of cell-based assays to streamline drug screening and selection for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's. These assays use human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which can develop into various cell types, including dopaminergic neurons—the cells affected in Parkinson's. By utilizing this system, researchers can test new drugs more efficiently, potentially improving the success of therapies in later clinical stages. The assays are designed for large-scale drug discovery and can be adapted to various treatment types, including small molecules, gene therapies, and biologics. Key readouts include alpha-synuclein aggregation, phosphorylation, neurite growth, neuronal activity, and immune response markers. Ncardia also offers a model that generates both neurons and astrocytes to form functional neuronal networks, providing more comprehensive data on drug efficacy and toxicity. This new panel aims to accelerate the drug discovery process with minimal setup required.