Cell-Based Assays

Cell-Based Assays for Bioactivity & Potency Testing

Regulatory agencies such as FDA and EMA expect every protein-based biologic to be characterized not only by its physicochemical properties, but also by bioactivity, immunochemical properties and purity. Among these, biological activity is, alongside safety, one of the most critical quality attributes (CQAs) of a biopharmaceutical drug or therapy.

Cell-based assays (CBAs) are often the gold standard for assessing bioactivity because they can simulate natural biological functions in a relevant cellular context. They provide dynamic information on cell viability, signaling, effector functions and functional responses, making them indispensable for potency testing, stability studies, comparability and biosimilarity assessments.

At Biofidus, we offer a broad range of tailored cell-based assays for in-depth characterization of functional and biochemical events such as signal transduction, reporter gene activity, enzyme activity, internalization, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), cell viability and cytotoxicity. For primary cell–based assays, we have access to human blood and are experienced in the culture and differentiation of stem cells, enabling physiologically relevant assay formats.

The insights gained from these studies provide essential information on product efficacy, quality and safety, and they also guide the design and improvement of process control strategies during manufacturing. Our experienced scientists design fit-for-purpose cell-based assay packages in line with ICH and regulatory expectations, tailored to your mechanism of action and development stage.

Get in contact with us to define the optimal cell-based assay strategy for your project and to speak directly from scientist to scientist.

Our Capabilities

  • Internalization assays
  • Mechanism-of-action–relevant potency
  • Receptor activation & signal transduction
  • Effector functions of antibodies
  • Cell viability & cytotoxicity assays
  • Cytokine and chemokine release / immunomodulatory activity
  • Neutralization & blocking activity
  • Primary cell and stem cell–based models
  • Stability-indicating bioactivity assays
  • Comparability & biosimilarity bioassays
  • Tailored bioassay development, optimization & qualification

Just what you need? Contact us!

FAQ

Find answers to frequently asked questions about our analytical services, methods, technologies, and studies, from molecular characterization and bioactivity to comparability, stability, and fit-for-purpose method development. 
Yes. When appropriately designed and qualified, cell-based potency assays can serve as stability-indicating readouts by detecting functional changes over time or under stress conditions. At Biofidus, we develop fit-for-purpose cell-based assays and integrate them with structural CQA analytics to assess whether physicochemical changes translate into functional impact.

Yes. We offer antibody effector-function assays such as ADCC, ADCP and CDC, and tailor formats and readouts to your mechanism of action and development stage.

Yes. Beyond platform assays, we develop, optimize and qualify customized cell-based bioassays, focusing on robustness, sensitivity and fit-for-purpose performance aligned with your CMC question.

Yes. We design fit-for-purpose cell-based assays to assess bioactivity and potency in a relevant cellular context, supporting development, comparability/biosimilarity, and stability programs.

To scope quickly, we typically need information such as the mechanism of action, target/receptor details, expected potency range, sample matrix (DS/DP), and any reference material or comparator strategy. If some of this information is not yet available, we will support you in identifying the most suitable assay setup and study design for your specific molecule and development stage.

Available Cell-Based Assays

Advancing research through tailored bioanalytical solutions.

  • Mechanism-of-action–relevant potency assays
  • Cell viability & cytotoxicity assays
  • Flow cytometry-based internalization assays
  • Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC)
  • Antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCC)
  • Complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC)
  • Reporter gene assays & signal transduction

TECHNOLOGIES USED

  1. Mechanism-of-action–relevant potency assays
  2. Cell viability & cytotoxicity assays
  3. Flow cytometry-based internalization assays
  4. Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC)
  5. Antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCC)
  6. Complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC)
  7. Reporter gene assays & signal transduction

Tell us about Your Project

We‘ll advise you to define your assay needs.

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Our Expert

Across end-to-end delivery, our experts remain on hand with deep scientific expertise whenever needed, providing oversight to streamline and de-risk milestone delivery.
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