Onkoreplica is an emerging initiative originating from research carried out at CIC biomaGUNE, focused on the development of advanced three-dimensional tumor models for oncology drug testing. The project aims to accelerate the development of more effective therapies and improve cancer patients’ access to treatments that are better adapted to the biological characteristics of their tumors.
The initiative emerged during the European project 4DBIOSERS, funded by the European Research Council (ERC), in which the research team explored different methods for fabricating three-dimensional tumor replicas. The results demonstrated significant technological transfer potential, leading to the launch of a proof-of-concept project and, subsequently, the creation of Onkoreplica as a future business venture. Since 2024, the team has been working simultaneously on technological development and on shaping a viable business model capable of bringing the innovation closer to the healthcare and pharmaceutical markets.
Currently, Onkoreplica remains in the development phase and operates from CIC biomaGUNE’s facilities, where it continues refining its technology while providing beta services to potential clients and early adopters. Its platform enables the evaluation of drugs in highly representative three-dimensional tumor models, improving the predictability of preclinical studies, reducing development costs, and minimizing the number of compounds that fail during advanced stages of pharmaceutical testing.
One of the project’s most innovative aspects is the use of biomaterials derived from human tissue to create tumor models for cancers such as breast cancer and melanoma. This approach allows the company to avoid conventional animal-derived materials, generating more realistic biological models while simultaneously reducing animal experimentation. In parallel, the team has developed a biobank of breast cancer organoids and a core-shell tumor model capable of accurately reproducing tumor biology.
Looking ahead, Onkoreplica plans to strengthen and validate its proof-of-concept studies with conventional chemotherapies while expanding testing toward immunotherapies and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). The company also aims to broaden its platform to include additional solid tumor types, positioning itself as a highly versatile and innovative solution within the field of precision oncology and advanced biomedical research.