NCI Selects ATCC to Distribute Cutting-edge Cancer Models to Support the Human Cancer Models Initiative

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) awarded ATCC, a global leader in biological materials management and standards, a contract to distribute a new generation of cancer models under the Human Cancer Models Initiative (HCMI).

Launched in July 2016, the HCMI is an international collaboration between The National Cancer Institute (NCI), Cancer Research UK, the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, and the foundation Hubrecht Organoid Technology, to develop approximately 1,000 cancer cell models that better represent the hallmarks and diversity of human cancer. This initiative leverages prior NCI-funded research to establish protocols for developing these next-generation cancer models.

Under the contract, ATCC will develop the infrastructure to support the intake, authentication, production, quality control, marketing, and distribution of an initial subset of the cancer models, paving the way for the larger collection.

The new models will be generated using tumor tissue from patients with a variety of cancer types, including rare and pediatric cancers, and will include a complete genetic analysis and anonymized clinical information about the patients and their tumors, including their response to treatment.

“ATCC has been supporting cancer research for more than 50 years,” said Dr. Mindy Goldsborough, ATCC Chief Science and Technology Officer. “We are honored to support The National Cancer Institute with this important initiative. These new models could transform how we study cancer, including how the disease progresses and develops drug resistance, and help guide the development of new cancer therapies for the millions living with and affected by cancer worldwide.”

ATCC is a premier global biological materials and information resource and standards organization and the leading developer and supplier of authenticated cell lines, microorganisms, and associated data for academia, industry, and government. With a history of scientific contributions spanning nearly a century, ATCC offers an unmatched combination of being the world’s largest and most diverse collection of biological reference materials and data, and is a mission-driven, trusted partner that supports and encourages scientific collaboration. ATCC products, services, partnerships, and people provide the global scientific community with credible, advanced, model systems to support complex research and innovations in basic science, drug discovery, translational medicine, and public health. ATCC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with headquarters in Manassas, Virginia, and a research and technology center of excellence in Gaithersburg, Maryland. 

Contact: Kim Testa, senior director, Corporate Communications & Public Affairs, ATCC, [email protected]