BioReliance, part of Sigma-Aldrich and operating under SAFC Commercial, has launched select in vitro absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) and toxicology testing services for pharmaceutical, chemical and industrial consumer products.

Developed to improve drug safety and efficacy, the assays utilize a suite of genetically modified cell lines, created by using Sigma-Aldrich technology CompoZr zinc finger nuclease (ZFN).

BioReliance executive director and general manager Daniel Aparicio said the new in vitro ADME and toxicology testing services complement the firm’s existing genetic toxicology testing portfolio and have been designed to meet the growing demand for more predictive human cell-based assays.

"The services are a valuable evolution from our synergies with Sigma-Aldrich products, and have been designed to decrease risk and total cost of ownership for customers in the discovery phase," Aparicio added.

The assays allow customers to predict outcomes by determining levels of permeability, transport, metabolism and toxicity in a drug product. These are designed in accordance with guidelines from agencies such as FDA, EMA and ITC.

Sigma-Aldrich discovery research services head Paul Brooks said: "A shift in emphasis to testing in earlier phases of drug discovery and development, increasing efforts to reduce cost, stricter regulatory guidance, and a reduction in animal usage is driving the demand for more predictive in vitro ADME and Tox assays and services."