High-throughput flow cytometry for drug discovery: principles, applications, and case studies

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Flow cytometry enables multiparametric analysis of single cells.
• High-throughput (HT) flow cytometry is increasingly used for drug discovery screening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent applications of HT flow cytometry in drug discovery.
• To focus on the deployment and practical considerations of HT flow cytometry at AstraZeneca (AZ).
• To illustrate how HT flow cytometry assays support the drug discovery process.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent literature on HT flow cytometry applications.
• Case studies from four drug discovery projects at AstraZeneca.
• Analysis of practical considerations for assay development and screening.

Main Results:

• HT flow cytometry provides a valuable screening platform for drug discovery.
• Successful assay development and screening require careful practical considerations.
• HT flow cytometry assays offer novel approaches to support drug discovery.

Conclusions:

• HT flow cytometry is a key technology for modern drug discovery.
• AstraZeneca's experience demonstrates the successful implementation of HT flow cytometry.
• Best practices for HT flow cytometry assay development enhance its utility in drug discovery.