Toxys Awarded £1M for phase 2 of CrossDART CRACK IT Challenge
To address the need for reliable cell based in vitro assays that predict the teratogenicity of new drug candidates in both human and other animal species, Toxys have participated in CrossDART CRACK IT Challenge, developing and characterizing muti-species assays. After successfully completing phase 1 of the Challenge, we are now further awarded a funding of £1M for phase 2.
Toxys milestones in phase 2 of CRACK IT
In phase 2 of the Challenge, our team will continue to develop and extensively characterize muti-species (human, rat, and rabbit) in vitro assays for predicting in vivo teratogenicity. We will qualify our panel of assays with positive and negative reference compounds to assess assay predictivity and compare predictions across species. The data from the in vitro assays will also be incorporated into computational models to provide species-specific predictions of compound exposure concentrations.
Why is it important?
Teratogenicity assessment of drugs that are intended for use in women of child-bearing potential are typically conducted in pregnant rats and rabbits. The current project will:
- Reduce the reliance on in vivo embryo-fetal development studies
- Provide insights into species-specific effects
- Improve translation and human relevancy.
“At Toxys, we are dedicated to developing and utilizing New Approach Methodologies for safer medicines and products. Our efforts as part of this project addresses a clear gap in the developmental and reproductive toxicology field, making the outcome highly valuable.”
CSO Dr. Amer Jamalpoor
About ReproTracker
ReproTracker is a human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-based assay, which combines the assessment of functional/morphological changes with expression patterns of tissue-specific biomarkers to detect potential developmental toxicity responses of chemicals. The assay captures the key cellular events of stem cell differentiation and early embryonic development. ReproTracker is used to investigate if compounds interfere with early embryonic development and quantitatively predict their teratogenic potential.
About the challenge
CRACK IT is a challenge-led competition that funds collaborations between industry, academics and SMEs to solve business and scientific Challenges which will deliver 3Rs benefits, either by improving business processes or developing a commercial product. It is supported by in-kind contributions from AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Bayer AG, Boehringer Ingelheim, Merck Healthcare KGaA, MMV Medicines for Malaria Venture, Novartis and Roche.
If you would like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@toxys.com
