CIT and Stemina Biomarker Discovery partner in toxicology testing

CIT – Safety and Health Research Laboratories is to distribute Stemina’s devTOXTM assay in Europe and will work with Stemina Biomarker Discovery, Inc to validate the test for use under the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) initiative. As early as 2012, and more particularly for volumes of one ton or more per year, REACH will require manufacturers and importers to register and test all chemicals and compositions containing chemicals. DevTOX uses human Embryonic Stem (hES) cells to test pharmaceuticals, chemicals and formulations such as cosmetics for their potential to cause birth defects if a woman is exposed during pregnancy. DevTOX is able to model human developmental toxicity with about 90% accuracy in blinded studies of chemicals whose effect on the developing human embryo are known. “We are excited about our partnership with CIT in Europe. Stemina’s hES cell based technology combined with CIT’s more than 40 years of experience in toxicology and safety testing is a terrific combination,” said Stemina CEO, Elizabeth Donley. Dr Roy Forster, CSO of CIT added: “The partnership offers an opportunity for unique approaches to assessing the safety of candidate drugs, chemicals and consumer products. Working with Stemina, we will assure that our clients have access to the most innovative technology for evaluating the toxicity and safety of compounds.”