BioLife’s overwiew
An integrated translational research platform
INOC’s BioLife is a fully integrated translational research platform designed to interface patient-derived biospecimens and data with advanced preclinical modelling and downstream molecular profiling.
By synergising and consolidating the capabilities of its three core pillars: the Biobank, Organoid Unit, and In Vivo Modelling Unit, BioLife serves as an innovative structural and technological hub that supports a comprehensive experimental pipeline, from primary biospecimen procurement to rigorous functional validation.
Furthermore, the platform operates in close synergy with the Genomics Centre, thereby enabling deep molecular characterization and fostering data-driven translational discovery.
Vision
To establish BioLife as an advanced translational research infrastructure that systematically integrates patient-derived biospecimens, molecular and functional characterization, and state-of-the-art preclinical model systems to accelerate mechanistic discovery, biomarker development, and the preclinical validation of therapeutic strategies.
By enabling rigorous cross-platform investigation and data-driven translational workflows, BioLife aims to support the development of precision oncology approaches with high biological fidelity and clinical relevance.
Mission
BioLife’s mission is to accelerate cancer research and precision oncology by connecting patient-derived biological samples, advanced laboratory models, and integrated omics technologies within a unified translational platform. Through this ecosystem, BioLife supports the discovery, validation, and development of more effective, personalized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Core components
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- Biobank: collection, processing, characterisation and annotation of patient-derived biospecimens
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- Organoid Unit: in vitro patient-derived models for functional assays and drug testing
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- In vivo Modelling Unit: in vivo PDX models for preclinical validation and coclinical studies
Applications
Key areas of translational and preclinical application:
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- End-to-end translational research programs
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- Biomarker discovery and validation
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- Preclinical drug development and testing
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- Co-clinical studies
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- Precision oncology research
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- Integration of multi-omics and functional data
Collaboration opportunities
Available partnership and research engagement models:
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- Access to integrated platform for academic and industrial partners
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- Design and execution of translational research programs
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- Combination of in vitro and in vivo model systems
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- Multi-omics and data-driven project development
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- Long-term strategic partnerships
Contact
Director
Saba Abdulghani. PhD
saba.abdulghani@inoc.it
Biobank
Clinically integrated biospecimen and associated data
The Biobank is a strategic translational research infrastructure that is dedicated to the collection, processing and storage of high-quality biospecimens and clinically annotated data, supporting the development of innovative diagnostics, biomarkers and precision therapies.
The Biobank is the main pillar of the BioLife translational research platform, already embedded within a comprehensive oncology ecosystem. It seamlessly connects clinical practice, pathology, molecular profiling and advanced preclinical models, transforming patient-derived biospecimens into reliable, research-ready resources.
Through rigorous, ISO 20387-compliant quality standards, comprehensive traceability, and integrated data management, the Biobank supports high-impact collaborations with academic institutions, organizations, healthcare and industry partners— accelerating translational research from discovery to clinical application.
Services
Core functional capabilities of the biobank:
- Collection, processing, characterisation and long-term storage of patient-derived biospecimens
- Cryopreservation of organoids, primary cells, and other biological derivatives
- DNA/RNA extraction with standardized quality control assessment
- Integration with clinical, pathological, and molecular data
- Support for translational research, biomarker discovery, and EU-funded projects
Biospecimen portfolio
Biological materials available:
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- Tumor resections, matched normal tissues and biopsies
- Fresh-frozen, FFPE and OCT-embedded specimens
- Whole blood, plasma, serum, PBMCs and follow-up longitudinal blood collections
- Urine, saliva and feces
- Patient-derived models: organoids, primary cell cultures and biological derivatives
- Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tissues and biological samples
Associated data
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- Clinical and clinicopathological annotations
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- Patient demographics, diagnosis, staging and treatment history
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- Therapeutic response and longitudinal clinical follow-up
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- Standardized pathology review and histopathological annotations
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- Complete pre-analytical and sample quality metadata
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- Molecular, genomic and multi-omics data (when available).
Collaboration opportunities
Available partnership and research engagement models:
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- Access to high-quality, clinically annotated biospecimens through tailored collaboration models
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- End-to-end support for academic, biotech and pharmaceutical R&D programs
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- Integration with multi-omics, organoid and PDX facilities
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- Biomarker and companion diagnostic co-development
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- Prospective collection and longitudinal studies
Applications
Key areas of translational and preclinical application:
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- Biomarker discovery and validation
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- Comprehensive molecular profiling of human tumors
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- Liquid biopsy for disease monitoring and treatment response assessment
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- Retrospective, prospective and multicenter clinical studies
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- Translational and co-clinical research
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- Precision medicine and companion diagnostics
Contact
Biobank manager
Eugenia R. Zanella, PhD
eugenia.zanella@inoc.it
Organoid Unit
Patient-derived organoids for translational oncology
The Organoid Unit is dedicated to the derivation, expansion, functional characterization, and experimental use of patient-derived organoids. Samples are obtained from patients treated at iNOC – Istituto Nazionale Oncologico Candiolo or from external collaborators. Integrated within the BioLife platform, it has strong interconnection with the Biobank, Genomics Centre, and In vivo Modelling Unit.
The Organoid Unit enables the development of biologically relevant, patient-derived preclinical models. By combining advanced 3D culture systems, functional assays, and digital data analysis, the centre supports translational oncology research, biomarker discovery, and the development of precision medicine strategies.
The Organoid Unit is designed in a modular, scalable way to enable future progressive expansion toward automated organoid maintenance and high-content phenotypic screening.
Services
Core functional capabilities:
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- Derivation of organoids from clinical samples and preclinical models
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- Development and implementation of standardized protocols for advanced 3D culture systems
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- Expansion and long-term maintenance of organoid collections
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- Cryopreservation of organoid models
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- Systematic quality control procedures to ensure genetic fidelity to the original samples and pathogen-free cultures
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- Centralized data management system ensuring full sample traceability
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- Molecular profiling of organoid models
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- Targeted pharmacological response testing on organoids
Applications
Key areas of translational and preclinical application:
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- Therapeutic target identification and validation
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- Drug screening and sensitivity testing
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- Biomarker discovery and validation
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- Mechanisms of resistance
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- Precision oncology research
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- Support for functional precision oncology studies
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- Preclinical evaluation of targeted and combination therapies
Supported sample types
Biological materials compatible with the unit:
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- Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) (already available)
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- Organoids derived from patient-derived xenografts (PDX-derived organoids) (already available)
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- Advanced 3D culture systems (coming soon)
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- Tumor–stromal and immune co-culture models (coming soon)
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- Advanced 3D and co-culture systems (planned).
Collection
Clinically annotated tumor types of interest:
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- Colorectal cancer
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- Gastric cancer
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- Breast cancer
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- Prostate cancer
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- Ovarian cancer
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- Pancreatic cancer
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- Melanoma Lung cancer
Collaboration opportunities
Available partnership and research engagement models:
- Drug testing and functional assays on organoid models
- Support for translational and preclinical research programs
- Integration with genomics and multi-omics datasets
- Co-development of organoid models and workflows
Contact
Unit Manager
Simonetta Leto, PhD
simonetta.leto@inoc.it
In Vivo Modelling Unit
Preclinical validation for translational oncology
The In vivo Modelling Unit is a state-of-the-art preclinical facility (1,000 sqm) within the BioLife translational research platform, set up to support translational oncology research.
The facility specializes in the generation and application of patient-derived in vivo models, particularly PDX, operating under high microbiological standards, full traceability and regulatory compliance.
At INOC we deeply understand and share the concerns that many people feel when it comes to animal welfare and animal rights. This is not an issue we take lightly, and we genuinely value the perspectives of those who question or challenge the use of animals in research. We see these conversations as important, and we remain thoughtfully engaged with the broader societal dialogue on this topic, respecting every viewpoint along the way.
Our commitment to scientific excellence goes hand in hand with our responsibility to treat animals with care and respect. We hold ourselves to rigorous ethical and legal standards, and we continually strive to do better. This means implementing a strict internal policy grounded in the 3R principles: Replace, Reduce, Refine. In practice, this means we work hard to minimize the number of animal experiments conducted, use only the number of animals truly necessary for meaningful results, and take every possible measure to reduce any discomfort or distress they may experience.
At INOC, our research involves laboratory mice only. We want to be clear that animal research is never our default approach, it is something we turn to only when no viable alternative exists to answer critical scientific questions. Our goal is always to balance scientific progress with genuine compassion and respect for the living beings involved.
Services
Core functional capabilities of the platform:
- Preclinical in vivo studies (efficacy and proof-of-concept), with optional PK/PD support via Charles River
- Project-specific PDX development and biobanking
- In vivo expansion of established models
- In-house breeding of immunocompromised mouse strains (NODSCID)
- Custom SOP development and quality-controlled workflows
- End-to-end data management via integrated LIMS
Supported sample types
Biological materials compatible with the platform:
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- Biobank-derived tumor tissues
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- Fresh patient tumor samples
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- Implantable tumor fragments
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- Blood/tissue samples for in vivo analysis
Applications
Key areas of translational and preclinical applications:
- Preclinical drug efficacy and proof-of-concept studies
- Translational validation of therapeutic targets
- PDX-based preclinical oncology studies
- Co-clinical study design
- Biomarker-driven in vivo validation
Expertise
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- Established expertise in PDX model development, with activities dating back to 2008 and early scientific outputs since 2011
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- Commitment to 3Rs principles (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) and animal welfare, fully integrated into study design and execution in compliance with regulatory standards
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- Experimental surgery and in vivo monitoring
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- Management of immunocompromised mouse lines
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- Advanced colony and breeding management
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- Integrated sample-to-model workflows with Biobank
Collaboration opportunities
Available partnership and research engagement models:
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- Preclinical in vivo studies for academic and industrial partners
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- PDX model development and co-development programs
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- Long-term strategic collaborations with dedicated facility access
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- Integration with Biobank, Organoid Centre and Genomics platforms
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- Co-clinical and translational research programs
Contact
Unit Manager
Massenzio Fornasier, PhD
massenzio.fornasier@inoc.it