Image-based high-content screening (HCS) is a potent drug discovery strategy that characterizes drug effects through the quantification of image-based features that describe cellular changes within or among cell populations. With the rising interest in 3D biological models, researchers need an imaging platform that not only acquires high-throughput, high-quality images in 3D samples, but also enables complex image analysis.
High-throughput screening is a critical milestone in drug discovery, as it allows the evaluation of large numbers of drug candidates for efficacy and safety. Traditionally, the drug development funnel involves eliminating drug candidates in each step because of the cost and hardship of carrying on multiple drug candidates later in a development step.
For example, since many drugs require billions of dollars of investment and years of development, the unexpected toxicity of a drug is a serious setback for patients and drug innovators. Withdrawals or terminations caused by adverse effects result in delayed delivery to patients in critical need. It can also harm patients participating in clinical trials. Therefore, it is essential to generate models for toxicological testing early in drug development.
High-throughput screening on advanced cell models does just this—helping determine the number of candidates with or without toxicity from early drug development stages. The technology enables researchers to work through diverse drug chemistry and diverse targets to find a group of optimum drug-target conditions. As an added benefit, high-throughput screening provides the ability to isolate more drug candidates in a given time. Overall, the technique significantly increases productivity and speed in drug development workflows.
Deeper insights
Molecular Devices’ ImageXpress HCS.ai system features a modular design and a wide array of customizable configuration options to meet current and future needs. The system can acquire high-quality images across a vast range of assay types, obtain exceptional image quality from 3D samples, and unlock new discoveries with AI-powered IN Carta Image Analysis Software.
Powered by MetaXpress Acquire software suitable for users of all experience levels, the ImageXpress HCS.ai system integrates seamlessly with AI-driven IN Carta Image Analysis Software for deep insights. The software has an intuitive interface while leveraging state-of-the-art AI capabilities for complex assays. It allows deep learning models to be trained to detect multicellular organoids, cells or subcellular structures in the images of 3D biological models. Once the AI model is trained, IN Carta can help discern whether any given compound within a panel has a positive effect, exhibits toxicity or has no effect compared with the control treatments.
With the ImageXpress HCS.ai system, researchers can boost lab productivity by imaging more plates in less time and simplifying the learning curve for new users.