In vitro Bioassays to Model Complex Cellular Environments for Better Lead Selection

Comparative bioassay profile of Kadcyla® (T-DM1) vs Enhertu® (DS-8201a)

In our latest scientific poster, Abzena put today’s two market-leading HER2 antibody-drug conjugates through an escalating series of in-vitro models—2-D cytotoxicity, live-cell kinetic imaging, 3-D spheroids, mixed HER2⁺/HER2⁻ co-cultures, and immune-competent assays. The study reveals how each ADC’s payload chemistry, linker design and by-stander potential translates into very different killing patterns across tumor architectures that better mimic the clinic.

What you’ll discover inside the poster

• Mode-of-action kinetics: Enhertu triggers earlier apoptosis, while Kadcyla delivers a stronger late-stage kill in uniform HER2-high models.
• Penetration vs. by-stander effect: Kadcyla excels in compact 3-D spheroids; Enhertu’s membrane-permeable payload eradicates adjacent HER2-negative cells in heterogeneous cultures.
• Immune contribution: Adding PBMCs amplifies native profiles—Kadcyla’s ADCC plus payload kill in homogeneous spheroids, Enhertu’s combined ADCC + by-stander activity in mixed tumours.
• Assay ladder value: Progressing from simple monolayers to immune-competent 3-D systems delivers clinically relevant insight early, guiding faster, data-driven ADC selection.

Take the Next Step

Leverage Abzena’s advanced in vitro bioassays to ensure your ADC candidates are poised for clinical success. Contact us to discuss how our tailored assay platforms can optimize your lead selection process.