News

ATCC Announces Award from Leidos Biomedical Research for the Production and Distribution of Next-generation Cancer Models

ATCC, the world’s premier biological materials management and standards organization, today announced that it has been awarded a contract with Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. (Leidos Biomed), current operator of the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, for the continued production, characterization and distribution of next-generation cancer models (NGCM). These models will be distributed solely by ATCC as part of the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Human Cancer Model Initiative (HCMI), an international consortium that is generating novel, next-generation, tumor-derived culture models annotated with genomic, clinical and biospecimen data. In consultation with the HCMI team at Leidos Biomed and the Center for Cancer Genomics (CCG) at NCI, the contract will add 70 additional NGCMs to HCMI’s current catalog of 182 models – all of which will be available as a community resource through its data portal.

“We recognize that the industry needs more biologically relevant cancer models and are well positioned to ensure that this expanded collection of diverse NGCMs is available to the scientific community through the HCMI,” said Raymond H. Cypess, D.V.M., Ph.D., chairman and CEO of ATCC.

NGCMs are invaluable for in vitro studies as they more closely mimic the in vivo disease characteristics. The new models from primary, metastatic and recurrent cancers will expand the types of cancers represented and increase the number of patient-derived tumors available for study. New cancer types potentially released under this contract include but are not limited to bladder, endometrial, head and neck, ovarian, pediatric and rare cancer, as well as desmoid tumor, lymphoma and neuroblastoma.

“ATCC is at the core of enabling breakthroughs in cancer research by collaborating with HCMI to provide well-characterized 2-D and 3-D models for R&D studies,” said James Clinton, lead scientist at ATCC. “These patient-derived in vitro cancer models will include 2-D conditionally reprogrammed cells (CRCs) and 3-D neurospheres and organoids grown in a cellular matrix that better recapitulate the in vivo environment than adherent cell lines.”

Using detailed methodologies and key technical inputs developed and shared by the HCMI Cancer Model Development Centers (CMDCs), scientists at ATCC have successfully replicated and compiled model-specific, easy-to-follow culture protocols and a video for the 3-D model, containing everything that will be required to initiate, expand and cryopreserve organoids embedded in 3-D culture. They will also provide guidance and advice to fellow scientists working with NGCMs in their own laboratories.

“With this contract, ATCC will expand its commitment to the NCI’s mission to improve human health by providing the scientific community with in vitro tools like NGCMs to study cancer, identify and target novel therapies, and facilitate translational cancer research,” said Joseph Leonelli, Ph.D., senior vice president of ATCC Federal Solutions. “We look forward to supporting HCMI’s efforts to prioritize the development of solutions to advance cancer research worldwide.”

Read more here.

Recent News

04/24/2025

SSI Diagnostica Group Acquires Breath Test Maker Gulf Coast Scientific

Infectious disease diagnostics firm SSI Diagnostica Group said on Thursday that it has acquired Florida-based breath testing firm Gulf Coast Scientific for an undisclosed sum. Gulf Coast Scientific is a developer of urea breath tests for Helicobacter pylori infection, which is associated with conditions including chronic gastritis and gastric cancer. SSID Group said that the

04/23/2025

Grenova Secures New Investment; Appoints Life Sciences Veteran to the Board

Grenova, Inc., a Virginia-based innovator in sustainable laboratory technologies, today announced two significant milestones for the company: the appointment of Ted Hull to Grenova’s board, and the successful completion of a new round of growth equity capital. These developments support Grenova’s strategic vision to drive innovation, expand automation capabilities, and deliver transformative solutions to laboratories

04/22/2025

Phlow Corp. Expands Analytical Capabilities and Embraces Artificial Intelligence-Driven System, Ushering in a New Era of Modern Medicine Manufacturing in America

Phlow Corp., a leading pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) in America, announced a significant expansion in its analytical capabilities, use of artificial intelligence (AI), workforce, and domestic infrastructure. Marking a period of exceptional growth and momentum, Phlow has more than doubled in size and now employs over 90+ highly skilled scientists and professionals