• Application of Organoids in Drug Screening: Current Perspectives and Future Directions
  • Samira Shafiee,1,*
    1. Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran


  • Introduction: Abstract: This review aims to critically examine the application of organoids in drug screening, highlighting their advantages over traditional methods, including enhanced predictive accuracy and ethical considerations. By analyzing current research, case studies, and challenges, this review seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of how organoids are transforming the landscape of drug discovery. 1. Introduction Organoids are three-dimensional structures derived from stem cells that closely replicate the architecture and functionality of human organs. Their emergence as a powerful tool in biomedical research presents new opportunities in drug screening, allowing for more accurate modeling of human responses compared to 2D cell cultures and animal models. This review will explore the integration of organoid technology into drug screening processes, focusing on its implications for efficacy and safety testing.
  • Methods: To comprehensively assess the application of organoids in drug screening, a systematic literature review was conducted. We focused on studies published within the last five years that explored the development, application, and outcomes of organoid models in various drug screening contexts. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched using keywords including "organoids," "drug screening," "pharmacology," and "personalized medicine." Selected articles were reviewed for their methodologies, including organoid culture techniques, drug exposure protocols, and outcome measures, such as cell viability, gene expression analysis, and drug response profiles. In addition to the literature review, case studies were identified that highlighted successful applications of organoids in drug discovery. These case studies provided insight into real-world applications, showcasing the predictive capabilities of organoids in modeling human disease and evaluating therapeutic responses. Expert consultations were also conducted with leading researchers in the field to gather qualitative insights on the current challenges and future directions of organoid technology in drug screening.
  • Results: The review of the literature revealed a significant advancement in the use of organoids for drug screening across various disease models, particularly in oncology. Several studies demonstrated that patient-derived organoids can accurately replicate tumor heterogeneity and drug response, outperforming traditional 2D cultures. For instance, a study on colorectal cancer organoids showed a strong correlation between in vitro drug responses and clinical outcomes, validating their predictive accuracy. Moreover, organoids have facilitated the identification of novel therapeutic targets. In pancreatic cancer, researchers successfully used organoids to screen a library of compounds, identifying promising candidates that were subsequently validated in vivo. The expert consultations highlighted common themes, including the need for standardization in organoid culture methods and the integration of high-throughput screening techniques. Overall, the results underscore the transformative potential of organoids in drug screening, providing a more relevant and efficient platform for evaluating therapeutic efficacy and safety.
  • Conclusion: This review aims to illuminate the significant role of organoids in drug screening, showcasing their potential to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of drug discovery processes. By synthesizing current knowledge and outlining future research directions, this review will contribute valuable insights to the field.
  • Keywords: Organoids, Drug Screening, Personalized Medicine, 3D cell culture