High Content Screening Approach Improves Early Genotoxicity Detection

Cyprotex plc announced that it has added to its service portfolio an automated, high content screening (HCS)
implementation of the in vitro micronucleus test for detection of genotoxicity. This approach improves the
accuracy and cost-effectiveness of early-stage genotoxicity testing over existing assay methods.

The micronucleus test identifies genotoxic carcinogens, for example, carcinogens that act by causing damage to
DNA. During cell division, if a chromosome or a fragment of a chromosome fails to be incorporated into one of the daughter nuclei – typically as a consequence of genetic damage – the chromosome may form its own
micronucleus. This micronucleus can be detected using HCS techniques.

Using HCS to detect these micronuclei has several advantages over traditional manual methods, the most important of which is that it improves accuracy and reliability because it allows automated scoring and an increase in statistical power through HCS’s ability to rapidly and automatically measure effects on large numbers of cells. The automation also allows large volumes of compounds to be screened faster, to accommodate early discovery needs.

Over the last decade the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has established
guidelines for the micronucleus test. Validation by European Centre for the validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM), an organisation that promotes the scientific and regulatory acceptance of non-animal tests of importance to biomedical sciences, led to the in vitro micronucleus test being accepted as a scientifically valid alternative to the in vitro chromosome aberration assay for genotoxicity testing. Cyprotex’s fully automated assay design has been developed following these guidelines.

Dr Katya Tsaioun, Cyprotex’s Chief Scientific Officer, commented on the launch of this improved assay: “Drug, cosmetic and agrichemical compounds still fail in late-stage development due to genotoxicity, at a tremendous cost to the industries. Consequently, as companies try to increase success rates in later stages of development, in vitro micronucleus testing, alongside other toxicity assays, is increasingly becoming a routine early-stage assay.”

Dr Anthony Baxter, Cyprotex’s CEO, announced: “Cyprotex is pleased to support pharmaceutical, cosmetic and agrichemical companies with this improved method for identifying genotoxicity during early-stage development as part of a comprehensive de-risking strategy.”