In vitro system for the prediction of hepatotoxic effects in primary hepatocytes.

Prediction of liver toxicity and compound responses continues to be a major challenge for the pharmaceutical industry. In vitro studies on liver cells have been developed to reduce or replace animal experiments. However, most of the tests in use are based on cell lines which do not necessarily represent normal cell physiology.

A new method to assess drug sensitivity on breast tumor acute slices preparation.

A method for assessing tumor drug sensitivity is described that is based on preparation of tissue slices and use of silicon chips equipped with electrochemical sensors (multisensor array). The tumor slices (200-300 microM thick) are prepared after surgery and incubated in a medium for recovery after slicing. The advantage, compared to other preparations, is that the original three-dimensional structure is retained.

Online monitoring of cell metabolism for studying pharmacodynamic effects.

To characterize modes of action of substances and their cytotoxic effects Bionas GmbH has developed a new screening system to allow the continuous recording of how an active substance can act (Bionas 2500 analyzing system). In the pharmaceutical industry it is important to acquire as much information as possible about the metabolic effects of an active substance. Most classical pre-clinical studies are very expensive and time-consuming.