Lesson 1Selecting in vitro models: organoids, co-culture systems, 2D vs 3D scaffolds and disease-relevant readoutsThis section discusses choosing and designing in vitro models like 2D cultures, 3D scaffolds, organoids, and co-cultures, stressing surrounding cues, disease-related outcomes, scale, and match with animal findings.
2D monolayer versus 3D culture systemsOrganoid models for organ-specific diseasesCo-culture and immune–stromal interactionsBiomaterial scaffolds and matrix mechanicsAssay readouts linked to in vivo outcomesThroughput, scalability, and assay robustnessLesson 2Small animal models: mouse and rat disease models relevant to chosen indication and translatability limitsThis section covers small animal models, mainly mice and rats, describing disease models for regenerative conditions, genetic tools, immune types, benefits, and limits in predicting human safety and efficacy.
Mouse versus rat: strengths and weaknessesImmunodeficient and humanized rodent modelsCommon disease models for key indicationsModel validation and relevance to humansLimitations in scale, immunity, and lifespanBridging data to large animals and clinicsLesson 3Dosing strategies and kinetics: cell dose-ranging studies, biodistribution, and persistence analysisThis section explains dosing for cell therapies, including dose-range studies, single vs repeated dosing, route-based adjustments, biodistribution tracking, persistence analysis, and exposure-response modelling.
Design of dose-escalation and range-findingSingle versus multiple dosing regimensLabeling cells for tracking in vivoBiodistribution assessment and organ tropismPersistence, engraftment, and clearance kineticsExposure–response and safety margin modelingLesson 4Large animal models: pig, sheep, non-human primate choices for scale-up and functional similarityThis section looks at large animals like pigs, sheep, and primates, focusing on body and function similarity, immune setup, care, scaling devices and doses, and when large models are needed for human trials.
Criteria for choosing large animal speciesPig models for cardiovascular and liver repairSheep models for orthopedic and spine studiesNon-human primate models and ethicsScaling of devices, doses, and proceduresHusbandry, welfare, and regulatory oversightLesson 5Outcome measures: histology, functional assays, imaging modalities (MRI, PET, bioluminescence), molecular biomarkers, and behavioral testsThis section details selecting and validating outcomes like histology, function tests, imaging (MRI, PET, bioluminescence), biomarkers, and behaviour tests, stressing sensitivity, accuracy, measurement, and human relevance.
Histological scoring and morphometric analysisIn vitro and ex vivo functional assaysMRI, PET, and optical imaging strategiesMolecular biomarkers and omics readoutsBehavioral tests and functional performanceValidation, standardization, and assay QCLesson 6Delivery routes and device-assisted delivery: intravenous, intra-organ, intra-articular, biomaterial scaffolds, and catheter-based techniquesThis section reviews delivery routes and device methods for cell and gene products, including IV, organ-specific, joint, scaffold-based, and catheter techniques, highlighting targeting, safety, and practicality.
Intravenous and intra-arterial deliveryDirect intra-organ and parenchymal injectionIntra-articular and intradiscal approachesBiomaterial scaffolds and hydrogelsCatheter-based and image-guided deliveryProcedure-related risks and mitigationLesson 7Study design principles: hypotheses, controls, randomization, blinding, sample size calculation, and statistical endpointsThis section covers solid preclinical study design, from hypotheses and controls to randomisation, blinding, sample size, stats endpoints, to cut bias and boost repeatability and regulator approval.
Formulating testable mechanistic hypothesesChoice of control and comparator groupsRandomization schemes and allocation concealmentBlinding of investigators and outcome assessorsSample size and power calculationsPrimary, secondary, and exploratory endpointsLesson 8Cell sourcing, manufacturing and GMP considerations for preclinical batches: isolation, expansion, cryopreservation, and release criteriaThis section covers sourcing and making preclinical cell batches, including tissue choice, isolation, growth, freezing, quality checks, GMP rules, and release standards for safe, consistent products.
Donor selection and tissue procurementCell isolation and early characterizationExpansion, passaging, and senescence controlCryopreservation methods and thaw recoveryGMP documentation and batch recordsRelease testing and specification setting
