Human-relevant, organ-specific models are increasingly prevalent in the toxicology and drug discovery fields. The differentiated structure and function of these tissue models cultured using normal, human cells, provide improved human in vivo relevance compared to animal models while also giving researchers a less expensive and faster alternative model. MatTek, a leader in the in vitro 3D field for the past 25+ years, creates highly differentiated 3D human-relevant tissue models for use in pre-clinical studies. One such model, the organotypic EpiIntestinal™ model of the small intestine, can be used to address drug metabolism, drug absorption, compound efficacy, and gastrointestinal toxicity (GIT) in vitro. This paper describes the complexity of the small intestine, current small intestine in vivo and in vitro models, and the utility of EpiIntestinal™ in detecting drug-induced GIT.
Continue reading MatTek’s drug discovery white paper here.
