Stemina and CIT join forces for stem cell based toxicology testing
CIT to distribute devTOX assay in Europe and validate for REACH
Contract science-driven research organisation CIT Safety and Health Research Laboratories and Stemina Biomarker Discovery Inc have entered into a strategic partnership under which CIT will distribute Stemina’s devTOX assay in Europe and will work with Stemina to validate the test for use under REACH.
devTOX uses human embryonic stem (hES) cells to test formulations for their potential to cause birth defects if a woman is exposed during pregnancy. It is claimed to model human developmental toxicity with about 90% accuracy, a significant improvement on rodent studies, which are only 60% predictive of the effect of a compound on human development.
“We are excited about our partnership with CIT in Europe. Stemina’s cutting edge hES cell based technology combined with CIT’s more than 40 years of experience in toxicology and safety testing is a terrific combination,” says Stemina ceo, Elizabeth Donley.
“CIT is very excited about its strategic investment and partnership with Stemina especially because of its expertise in the important and cutting edge field of stem cells and metabolomics,” comments Roy Forster, cso of CIT. “The partnership offers an opportunity for unique approaches to accessing the safety of candidate drugs, chemicals and consumer products.”
