Why Leading Pharma Companies Trust Vivia Biotech for Functional Preclinical Research
Leading pharma and biotech companies rely on Vivia Biotech to generate human-relevant functional data early in the drug development process. Using patient-derived samples under native conditions, our ex vivo assays preserve the immune and stromal complexity of the tumor microenvironment—enabling precise evaluation of drug mechanisms, immune responses, and resistance pathways. With more than 190 projects completed, we provide mechanistic clarity and translational insight to accelerate oncology, hematology, and autoimmune disease pipelines.
In early-stage drug development, generating high-resolution functional data in human-relevant systems is critical to making informed decisions and reducing translational risk. At Vivia Biotech, we provide a specialized platform for functional pharmacology using patient-derived samples under native conditions—supporting preclinical programs in oncology, hematologic malignancies, and autoimmune diseases.
With more than 10,000 patient samples analyzed to date, we have built a strong foundation of biological insight and technical expertise that enables our partners to evaluate drug mechanisms with clinical relevance.
A Functional Approach Rooted in Native Tissue Biology
Unlike traditional models based on cell lines or xenografts, our ex vivo assays are designed to preserve the cellular architecture and immune complexity of the original patient sample. These short-term assays—performed on fresh or cryopreserved material—capture the interactions between tumor cells, stromal components, and immune populations, offering a physiologically meaningful readout of therapeutic activity.
This is particularly relevant when evaluating:
- Target-dependent mechanisms (e.g., cytotoxicity, apoptosis, proliferation)
- Immune-mediated effects (e.g., ADCC, checkpoint blockade, cytokine release)
- Drug selectivity and off-target responses in primary hematopoietic and immune compartments
Access to Clinically Defined Patient Samples
One of our differentiating strengths is the ability to source and process samples from patients with specific clinical profiles, including those resistant or refractory to certain treatments. This allows our partners to test compounds in highly relevant biological contexts—such as immune escape, therapeutic failure, or biomarker-defined subpopulations.
These capabilities are critical for:
- Early validation of mechanisms of action
- Selection of responsive patient subsets
- Modeling resistance pathways or immune dysfunction in real human systems
Multiparametric Readouts for Mechanistic Clarity
Our platform integrates custom flow cytometry panels, tailored to the pharmacology of the compound, the disease indication, and the scientific goals of the project.
This mechanistically resolved analysis supports the design and optimization of both mono- and combination therapies, including immunotherapies, T cell engagers, and biologics with multi-modal actions.
Scientific Continuity and Translational Insight
With over 190 completed projects for more than 100 pharmaceutical and biotech partners, our team provides not only operational expertise but also scientific continuity across stages of development. From hit-to-lead exploration to candidate selection and IND-enabling studies, we work closely with R&D teams to ensure that functional data translates into meaningful clinical decisions.
Toward Human-Relevant Preclinical Development
As regulatory agencies increasingly recognize the value of human-based models—through initiatives like the FDA Modernization Act 2.0—functional assays in native patient tissues offer a validated, translatable, and ethical alternative to animal testing.
At Vivia Biotech, we are committed to advancing this paradigm by providing clinically grounded, mechanism-informed data to support the next generation of therapies in oncology, hematology, and immune-mediated diseases.