New Early-Stage Genetic Toxicology Assays with Low Compound Requirements Now Available 

July 13, 2010 - Genetic toxicology testing is a key element in the development of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and chemicals. Formal GLP testing is required as part of the safety evaluation of all compounds; however, many companies perform non-GLP genetic toxicology screening very early to avoid expensive failures later. At this point, compound availability is normally limited, so it is important to minimize usage while ensuring the most accurate predictivity of the outcome of the eventual GLP assays. Charles River now offers in vitro genetic toxicology screening assays in which compound requirements can be as little as 10 mg: Bluescreen HC, Bluescreen HC S9 and µAmes.

The Bluescreen HC and Bluescreen HC S9 assays measure up regulation of a DNA-damage stress gene (GADD45a) and the data has been shown to be highly predictive of carcinogenicity potential. The µAmes assay is conducted in 24-well plates and provides data that is highly predictive of a standard Ames test. These assays can be used to screen a number of candidate molecules simultaneously. In addition, the assays generate test results fast. Bluescreen data is available to the client within 72 hours of dosing and µAmes data within 96 hours of dosing.

For more information, please view our technical sheet or contact us at askcharlesriver@crl.com.