3D tumor spheroids provide insight into colorectal cancer drug’s efficacy
Brenus Pharma (Issoire, France), a French biotech developing next-generation first-in-class immunotherapies, and InSphero (Schlieren, Switzerland), a Swiss leader in 3D cell-based assay technologies, presented promising data at the European Association for Cancer Research 2025 annual congress (16-19 June 2025; Lisbon, Portugal). These data confirm the use of 3D tumor spheroids for potency testing of STC-1010, Brenus’ lead candidate for colorectal cancer.
Developed through a European-funded collaboration with InSphero, the project led to the creation of ready-to-use vitrified 3D colorectal cancer spheroids. Tumor spheroids were obtained with colorectal tumor cell lines co-cultured with colorectal fibroblasts. The vitrification method preserves tumor morphology, stromal integrity, and viability after thawing of fresh tumor spheroid samples. This approach enables a more realistic evaluation of STC-1010’s therapeutic potential, with a model that more closely mimics real in vivo tumor conditions.
Previous results demonstrated that STC-1010 antigens were efficiently taken up and presented by monocyte-derived dendritic cells (mMo-DCs), leading to the activation of CD8+ T cells. These T cells induce robust apoptosis in both 2D and 3D CRC models and trigger the release of anti-tumor cytokines such as IFNγ and Granzyme B. These results confirm the translational relevance of 3D models and support the therapeutic potential of STC-1010 in targeting colorectal cancer.
“This collaboration with InSphero has enabled us to assess the highly representative and scalable 3D model into our SGC platform. It’s a major step forward in our ability to assess potency and accelerate the development of STC-1010 and future candidates.” Benoit Pinteur, CSO of Brenus Pharma.
“We are proud to support Brenus with our cryopreserved 3D tumor models. This work illustrates how advanced in vitro systems can bring immunotherapies closer to clinical reality”, added Jan Lichtenberg, CEO of InSphero.
The collaboration was initiated in 2022 under the EUROSTARS program, co-financed by Bpifrance and Innosuisse, to support innovation in oncology through international R&D partnerships.
About InSphero
InSphero is the only 3D in vitro model company with the platform and expertise to modernize drug discovery in a way that empowers researchers to reach their full potential. Our innovative spheroid-based models allow more effective, safe therapies to contact the clinic through superior robustness, reliability, reproducibility, and scalability. InSphero’s goal is to inspire the next generation of breakthrough therapies through customer obsession, commitment to innovation, and the model of excellence.
Learn more at insphero.com. Follow the company on LinkedIn, X and Instagram or contact us at [email protected].
About Brenus Pharma
Brenus Pharma unlocks the full potential of immuno-oncology by generating first-in class immunotherapies to initiate a multi-specific in vivo immune response against tumors. Their proprietary “off-the-shelf” Stimulated-tumor-Ghost-Cells (SGC) platform mimics the nature of patients’ tumor cells and make it visible to their immune system to anticipate, target and destroy these cells as soon as they appear. Brenus intends to change a paradigm in oncology, by making patients once again actors in their treatment.
www.brenus-pharma.com | [email protected]