With animal studies required by the FDA, selecting the animal model pre-trial that provides the most representative human-surrogate is critical to assessing a potential drug’s likelihood of unwanted effects.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (PRWEB)
October 06, 2020

INDIGO Biosciences, the recognized industry leader in nuclear receptor research, has expanded their robust portfolio of in vitro animal model assays with three additional first-in-class zebrafish model systems. Previously available only as a live-model system, INDIGO’s expansion of in vitro zebrafish assays provides scientists the ability to determine whether zebrafish are the appropriate model system for their research prior to investing in costly animal studies, as well as allowing for specific receptor testing post-trial.

“We are dedicated to expanding the offerings available to our customers and believe our zebrafish assays will help researchers confidently take the next step in developments,” says Dr. Jack Vanden Heuvel, Chief Scientific Officer of INDIGO. “This addition gives discovery scientists the ability to make key determinations on the correct animal model for their research with an ortholog that was not previously available before entering animal trials.”

Zebrafish have become a popular model system for developmental and biological research, as well as environmental toxicology, as their easy maintenance, high reproduction rate, and transparent appearance makes them highly versatile. As most compounds can easily penetrate the skin of the zebrafish, drug and toxicological screenings are able to be performed simply by adding these test compounds to their water. For researchers looking at nuclear receptor activity, zebrafish provide an attractive model as nearly all of the 48 human nuclear receptors are also present in the animal model.

In vitro assays, such as those offered by INDIGO, provide important early indications of a compound’s potential for downstream concerns. With animal studies required by the FDA, selecting the animal model that provides the most representative human-surrogate is critical to assessing a potential drug’s likelihood of unwanted effects. Cell-based assay models are crucial to help make this determination prior to entering ADMET studies. In addition, while zebrafish present an ideal model for determining whether an off-target effect occurs, whole model testing is unable to provide information on which specific receptors are affected. INDIGO’s assays allow researchers to definitively determine what receptors are affected, a key piece of information necessary to proceed with development.

INDIGO’s expanded portfolio of zebrafish reporter assays now includes the Androgen Receptor (AR), Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR), Estrogen Receptor Alpha (ERa), Glucocortioid Receptor (GR), Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma (PPARg), Retinoic Acid Receptor Alpha isoform A (RARaA), and Thyroid Receptor Beta (TRb). Each is available both as a screening service or as an all-inclusive assay kit.

About INDIGO Biosciences, Inc.

INDIGO Biosciences, Inc. is a leading provider of nuclear receptor and in vitro toxicology solutions that accelerate scientific decision-making. INDIGO supplements the world’s largest portfolio of nuclear receptor kits and services and in vitro toxicology solutions with greater results readability, reproducibility, and faster turnaround times. Our solutions, plus supportive team and reliable science and platforms aim to reduce the time, cost, and risk associated with the discovery process. Learn more at http://www.indigobiosciences.com.

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