Crown Bioscience has opened a model development center in Kannapolis, North Carolina, strengthening its US operations and boosting access to advanced preclinical oncology models.

The contract research organization, part of JSR Life Sciences and Japan-based JSR Corporation, said the new site will support its platform of patient-derived models including xenografts (PDX), PDX warm models, PDX-derived organoids (PDXO), and patient-derived organoids (PDO). These technologies are increasingly being used by pharmaceutical and biotech companies to evaluate oncology drug candidates before clinical testing.

The investment reflects growing demand for innovative and translatable preclinical models in oncology. As the FDA Modernization Act 2.0 encourages the use of alternatives to animal testing, drug developers are looking for systems that better replicate human biology. Organoid models and 3D cell culture are seen as crucial tools for improving the predictability of preclinical research, with adoption accelerating across the sector.

Crown Bioscience said the Kannapolis facility will work in collaboration with its other sites around the world, expanding its ability to deliver high-quality and scalable services for oncology research. Once fully operational in October, the centre will broaden its service capabilities to include study management and laboratory operations. The company also expects the facility to create new roles for researchers and laboratory staff, contributing to the local life sciences economy in North Carolina.

The decision to locate in Kannapolis highlights the region’s growing reputation as a hub for biotech and pharmaceutical research. Crown Bioscience said the site will not only increase capacity in the United States but also support training initiatives and long-term scientific investment in the area.

John Gu, CEO of Crown Bioscience, said: “Kannapolis is more than just an additional facility, it’s a catalyst for how we serve the next generation of oncology research. Its location and capabilities allow us to accelerate project timelines, foster closer scientific collaboration, and offer more advanced models and solutions to our clients.”

By expanding its global footprint, Crown Bioscience aims to position itself at the centre of next-generation preclinical oncology research, offering drug developers access to PDX and organoid platforms designed to speed up the development of targeted therapies.