Accurate Prediction of Genotoxic Mechanisms by Phenomics

In drug discovery and development, genotoxicity testing is an essential safety evaluation that must be conducted at a specific stage within the design, make, test, and analyze cycle. Traditional "golden-standard" methods, such as the AMES assay for mutagenicity or DNA damage assessment by micronuclei quantification in mammalian cells using high-content imaging or flow cytometry, are time-consuming, low throughput, costly and often require large amounts of valuable compounds. Therefore, there is a clear need for alternative genotoxicity assessment methods. In collaboration with AstraZeneca, pixlbio has developed a novel approach that combines automated Cell Painting with Artificial Intelligence to provide a comprehensive assessment of various genotoxicities. This innovative method offers a new way to mechanistically understand on- and off-target toxicities, which in turn reduces the resources and time required for pharmaceutical development. This approach also minimizes animal use and ultimately supports the creation of safer medicines.