In vitro toxicology

In vitro genotoxicity testing

Genotoxicity testing is crucial for identifying genetic damage that could lead to serious health risks, including cancer and reproductive harm. By partnering with us for in vitro genotoxicity testing, you gain a comprehensive understanding of your test item’s safety profile, to help ensure it is safe for its intended use and meets regulatory requirements. Our in vitro genotoxicity testing services include:

• Ames test (bacterial mutagenicity assay, OECD TG 471, ICH S2(R1)): Detect potential mutagenic properties using a highly recognised bacterial assay.
• Micronucleus test (OECD TG 487, ICH S2(R1)): Evaluate chromosomal damage and assess potential mutagenic and clastogenic effects on mammalian cells.    

All in vitro tests are routinely performed for screening during lead optimisation – balancing costs, time, test-item demand and predictivity, as well as under GLP, using guideline protocols required by regulatory authorities. 

In vitro phototoxicity testing

Phototoxicity of a drug or chemical can cause serious skin reactions if users are exposed to sunlight or UV light. Our in vitro phototoxicity testing services help mitigate this risk for new molecules in drug or chemical development. The 3T3 Neutral Red Uptake (NRU) Assay (OECD TG 432, ICH S10) is an industry-standard test that measures cytotoxicity and phototoxicity in mammalian cells exposed to the full spectrum of sunlight. This in vitro test is routinely performed for screening during lead optimisation – balancing costs, time, test-item demand and predictivity. It is also conducted under GLP using guideline protocols for later development.     

In vitro skin toxicity testing

Skin safety is essential for any product that comes into direct contact with the skin. Whether your product is a cosmetic, topical medication or personal care item, our in vitro testing helps ensure it is safe for consumers by identifying potential risks of skin corrosion, irritation and sensitisation early in the development process. By choosing our testing services, you can mitigate risks associated with skin damage, irritation or allergic reactions, meet regulatory requirements across multiple regions and develop safe-for-use, high-quality products that consumers can trust. Our in vitro skin toxicity testing services include:

• Skin corrosion testing (OECD TG 431): Assess the potential for your test item to cause severe damage or tissue destruction upon skin contact. Using human skin models, we simulate real-world exposure to evaluate the corrosive effects of your product and help ensure it is non-corrosive and safe.  
• Skin irritation testing (OECD TG 439): Determine whether your product can cause mild to moderate irritation on human skin. Our testing method is based on reconstructed human epidermis models, which depict the potential response of human skin to your test item.
• Skin sensitisation testing (OECD TG 442C, 442D, and 442E): Evaluate your test item's potential to cause allergic reactions or skin sensitisation. We use authority-recommended assays such as the KeratinoSens test, the direct peptide reactivity assay (DPRA) and the human cell line activation test (h-CLAT).