IIVS will offer ToxTracker®, expanding its portfolio of animal-free genetic toxicology assays
Gaithersburg, M.D., USA, and Oegstgeest, The Netherlands, March 9, 2023 – The Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS) and Toxys have entered into a license agreement that allows IIVS to offer the ToxTracker® assay. ToxTracker is an innovative in vitro assay allowing identification of the genotoxic and potentially carcinogenic properties of novel and existing drugs, (agro)chemicals, cosmetics and other substances without the use of animal testing.
ToxTracker is a unique stem cell-based reporter assay for reliable genotoxicity and carcinogenicity hazard identification. In addition to highly reliable detection of genotoxic compounds, the ToxTracker assay provides insight into the mode-of-action of genotoxicity. The assay can discriminate between direct DNA reactivity and indirect genotoxicity related to oxidative stress or protein damage and can identify clastogenic and aneugenic compounds. Various extensions of ToxTracker are available to further investigate the mode-of-action of genotoxic compounds. Utilization of the ToxTracker assay can help mitigate risk of regulatory rejection by demonstrating the exact mechanism of genotoxicity.
ToxTracker has been extensively validated using various reference compound libraries recommended by international governmental organizations. ToxTracker is currently under review for regulatory acceptance and has already been applied across the pharmaceutical, agrochemical and consumer product industries for regulatory applications.
Toxys is providing IIVS with the materials and training needed to achieve proficiency and expertise in applying this technology as a service. With an anticipated availability in mid-May, IIVS will become the first Contract Research Organization to offer ToxTracker at a US-based laboratory.
“At IIVS we recognize the need for mechanistically-based methods to inform industry and regulatory stakeholders well beyond the basic hazard assessment tools. Hence, we feel the ToxTracker suite contributes exceptionally well to IIVS’ information-rich testing service philosophy, and we couldn’t be more pleased to partner with the scientific leadership at Toxys to optimize value to our stakeholders.” – Hans Raabe, COO of IIVS
“We are very excited to collaborate with IIVS to further expand the availability of ToxTracker. IIVS is globally valued for their scientific expertise and their ambition to replace animal testing with cutting-edge scientific solutions. This makes them the ideal partner for our innovative ToxTracker assay.” – Giel Hendriks, CEO of Toxys
About IIVS
IIVS is a GLP-compliant Contract Research Organization focused on non-animal alternatives to toxicology and product safety testing. We assist companies and other institutions in the implementation of in vitro testing strategies that limit animal use. In addition, IIVS assists in the validation of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to traditional assays. Our services include assessments of dermal and ocular irritation and corrosion, dermal sensitization, photosafety, genetic and respiratory toxicology. As a non-profit entity, our laboratory activities and contributions fund our Education and Outreach programs, providing extensive training and active involvement in the advocacy and promotion of non-animal methods worldwide.
For more information about IIVS, contact:
Brent Gilbert, Business Development Director – bgilbert@iivs.org
About Toxys
Toxys is a Dutch biotech company that offers a broad spectrum of innovative in vitro toxicology solutions. Toxys is expert in toxicological research with a mission to improve animal-free safety testing by creating mechanistic in vitro chemical safety tests to meet the needs for safer medicines, chemicals and cosmetics. Toxys has developed the unique ToxTracker®, ReproTracker® and ToxProfiler™ assays. Toxys has been working with global Pharma companies, the major chemical, cosmetics and food multinationals and is highly valued for its scientific expertise, high-quality results and responsiveness. To learn more about Toxys, please visit www.toxys.com
For more information about Toxys, contact:
Paula van Rossum, Chief Business Officer – p.vanrossum@toxys.com