Advancing Precision Cancer Research in Singapore

The Cancer Science Institute of Singapore (CSI Singapore) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) has partnered with Next&Bio, a South Korean biotechnology company specializing in organoid technology, to launch a joint organoid research laboratory. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in building Asia’s largest organoid biobank using samples from cancer patients of diverse Asian backgrounds. The initiative combines CSI Singapore’s expertise in cancer biology with Next&Bio’s advanced organoid culture platforms to accelerate drug discovery and personalized therapeutic strategies tailored to Asian populations.

Understanding Organoids and Their Role in Cancer Research

Organoids are three-dimensional, miniaturized versions of organs grown from stem cells or patient-derived tissues in laboratory conditions. They closely mimic the structure, function, and genetic makeup of real human organs, making them powerful tools for studying disease mechanisms without relying solely on animal models or two-dimensional cell cultures. In cancer research, patient-derived organoids (PDOs) allow scientists to test how specific tumors respond to various drugs, predict treatment outcomes, and identify resistance mechanisms. This technology supports the development of precision medicine approaches that account for genetic and ethnic variations in disease progression and drug efficacy.

CSI Singapore researchers have long focused on understanding the molecular drivers of cancers prevalent in Asian populations, including gastric, liver, and nasopharyngeal cancers. The new joint laboratory will expand these efforts by creating a centralized biobank that reflects the genetic diversity across Asia, addressing a gap in Western-centric research models that often overlook population-specific factors.

Background on CSI Singapore and NUS Biomedical Strengths

Established as a leading research institute within NUS, CSI Singapore conducts cutting-edge investigations into cancer initiation, progression, and therapy. The institute collaborates closely with NUS faculties, hospitals, and international partners to translate laboratory discoveries into clinical applications. NUS has positioned itself as a global hub for biomedical innovation, supported by Singapore’s strategic investments in life sciences through agencies such as the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and the Ministry of Education.

Next&Bio brings specialized expertise in scalable organoid production and high-throughput screening. The company’s platform enables the generation of large numbers of organoids from limited patient samples, facilitating robust statistical analyses and drug screening campaigns. The partnership builds on a 2023 memorandum of understanding that outlined plans for the joint laboratory and related projects.

Details of the Joint Laboratory Launch

Announced in July 2025, the joint organoid research laboratory is housed at NUS facilities. Its primary objectives include establishing a comprehensive biobank of Asian cancer organoids and developing patient-specific drug evaluation systems. Researchers will focus on cancers with high incidence in Asia, aiming to improve therapeutic response prediction and accelerate the identification of novel compounds.

Next&Bio plans to establish a subsidiary in Singapore to support the laboratory operations and prepare for broader regional expansion. This move aligns with Singapore’s role as a gateway for Asian biomedical collaborations and strengthens the ecosystem for translational research.

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Implications for Precision Medicine in Asian Populations

Asian populations exhibit distinct genetic profiles and environmental exposures that influence cancer susceptibility and treatment responses. Standard therapies developed primarily from European or North American cohorts may not perform optimally in Asian patients. The organoid biobank will enable systematic studies of these differences, potentially leading to more effective, ethnicity-informed treatment protocols.

Early projects are expected to target gastric and colorectal cancers, where organoid models have already shown promise in identifying actionable mutations and testing combination therapies. By integrating multi-omics data with functional drug screening, the laboratory aims to generate actionable insights for clinicians and pharmaceutical partners.

Opportunities for Researchers, Faculty, and PhD Candidates

The establishment of the joint laboratory creates new avenues for academic engagement at NUS. Faculty members can lead or participate in collaborative projects, access shared resources, and contribute to high-impact publications. Postdoctoral researchers and PhD students will gain hands-on experience with advanced organoid technologies, biobanking protocols, and translational workflows.

Singapore’s higher education sector benefits from such partnerships through enhanced research infrastructure, international visibility, and talent attraction. Universities like NUS continue to expand interdisciplinary programs that prepare graduates for careers in academia, biotechnology, and clinical research. Prospective job seekers in Singapore higher education may find increased demand for expertise in cancer biology, stem cell technology, and data analytics.

Singapore’s Position as a Regional Biomedical Hub

Singapore has invested heavily in building a world-class biomedical ecosystem, with NUS and other institutions playing central roles. The joint laboratory reinforces this position by fostering public-private partnerships that bridge academic discovery and industry application. Such initiatives support national goals outlined in Singapore’s Research, Innovation and Enterprise plans, which emphasize health and biomedical sciences as strategic priorities.

Collaborations like this also contribute to the training of a skilled workforce capable of advancing precision medicine across Southeast Asia and beyond. Administrators at Singapore universities are increasingly focused on creating environments that support large-scale research infrastructure and international talent mobility.

Challenges and Future Outlook

While promising, the initiative faces typical challenges associated with biobanking, including ethical considerations around patient consent, data privacy, and long-term sample viability. Ensuring diversity within the organoid collection and maintaining high-quality standards will be essential for the biobank’s scientific value.

Looking ahead, the laboratory is positioned to contribute to global efforts in cancer research while addressing Asia-specific needs. Expanded partnerships with hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and other academic centers could further amplify its impact. Continued support from Singapore’s higher education and research funding bodies will be critical to sustaining momentum.

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Broader Impact on Higher Education and Research Careers

Joint laboratories of this nature exemplify the evolving landscape of university research, where collaborations between academia and industry drive innovation. For PhD-track individuals and early-career academics, these projects offer pathways to develop specialized skills valued in both academic and non-academic sectors. Singapore universities continue to emphasize research training that combines fundamental science with translational applications.

Administrators may view this development as a model for future partnerships that enhance institutional research profiles and attract competitive funding. The emphasis on Asian-centric data also positions Singapore higher education as a leader in inclusive global health research.