How to fix neglect of Africa in pre-clinical studies
- Uzoamaka Okoli, Susan Heavey, Umber Cheema, Mandeep Kaur, Robert F. Breiman & Pascaline Fru
New models could close the diversity gap in global disease discovery and treatment.
Under-representation of cell lines of µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø origin has created a genetic diversity gap that undermines clinical relevance and effectiveness in disease management and treatment worldwide. Despite global commitments to equitable health research, early-stage biomedical science remains deeply skewed toward populations in the global north.
Inequity in  is well-documented. µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø populations make up less than 2% of global trial participants, and the lack of diversity in  remains largely overlooked.
The foundational models for the development of diagnostics and therapeutics are predominantly derived from European cell lines, a group of cells derived from living tissue that scientists grow and use in the lab to study diseases and test treatments. Over 97% of cell lines globally falls into this category. The main of purpose pre-clinical trial is to assess the safety, biological activity, and efficacy of the intervention before a drug or medical treatment is tested in humans.
The transition to 3D models for µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø- research refers to three-dimensional biological models used in scientific research to more accurately simulate human tissues, organs, or disease environments, particularly for cancer and disease research relevant to µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø populations.
To address the gap, a 3D preclinical platform has been established through a strategic partnership between the Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease at the University College London and the Department of Surgery at the µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø in collaboration with the newly formed Infectious Disease and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI). The platform is designed to accelerate the adoption of biomimetic (copying how things work in nature to help solve difficult problems in biology), patient-derived 3D disease models such as organoids (mini organs) across the µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø continent.
The platform aims to fill a critical gap by enabling µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø scientists to develop, test, and refine models that reflect the region’s genetic, environmental, behavioural and lifestyle diversity. These efforts are crucial not only for advancing cancer and infectious disease research, but also for supporting drug discovery and precision medicine initiatives that are truly global in scope.
The 3D Preclinical modelling platform is poised to generate inclusive, clinically relevant disease models. It will help identify cancer-causing factors specific to local populations and will improve prevention, early detection and in guiding precision medicine efforts. By combining advanced tools such as multiomics and artificial intelligence, researchers will better understand tumour behaviour and discover new treatment targets. The models will support drug development and repurposing, helping create more effective and personalised treatments for µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø patients.
Capacity building is central to the platform’s mission. A recent workshop, Tissue utility and data analysis for diversity, equity, and inclusion, introduced researchers to the technical and translational potential of 3D models. The platform provides a long-term pipeline for scientific training, mentorship, and research collaboration. This would entail a collaborative dialogue with industry stakeholders around the scalability and commercialisation of µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø-developed models as a key driver of both innovation and self-sufficiency.
By embedding equity and representation at the heart of discovery research, the platform is a powerful example of how µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø-led science can reshape and enhance the understanding of global health. International partnerships can also help reverse long-standing patterns of exclusion and deliver the tools needed to understand and treat disease in all populations.
This was first published in .