Studty of Physico-chemical Properties of drugs involves the characterization of various physical and chemical properties of drug compounds. volubility, lipophilicity (LogD7.4), and chemical stability (in different pH environments, plasma, and body fluids) are crucial factors that influence a drug's formulation and efficacy.

Study of Solubility properties of drugs: Solubility is a fundamental property that determines how well a drug compound dissolves in various solvents or physiological fluids. Poor solubility can be a significant limitation in drug development, as it can affect a drug's bioavailability and effectiveness. Assessing solubility in different media helps in optimizing drug formulations and dosages.

Study of Lipophilicity (LogD7.4) and ADME properties: Lipophilicity, often expressed as LogD7.4, measures a drug's affinity for lipids or fats. It's a critical factor in drug design because it influences a compound's ability to penetrate cell membranes and distribute within the body. Lipophilicity can impact a drug's pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and potential for tissue accumulation.

Chemical Stability Assays: Evaluating the chemical stability of a drug is essential to ensure its integrity during storage and administration. This assessment includes examining the drug's susceptibility to degradation or chemical changes in different conditions. It involves studying stability in various pH environments (acidic, neutral, or basic), as well as in plasma and body fluids, to mimic the physiological conditions it might encounter in the body.

Understanding these physico-chemical properties is crucial in the early stages of drug development. It helps pharmaceutical researchers make informed decisions about the most suitable drug candidates to advance and how to formulate them for optimal therapeutic effects. By assessing solubility, lipophilicity, and chemical stability, researchers can design drugs that are more likely to succeed in subsequent pre-clinical and clinical studies.

Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP450) are responsible for metabolizing many drugs in the body. Assessing CYP450 inhibition helps determine if a drug candidate can inhibit these enzymes, potentially leading to drug-drug interactions. TDI specifically evaluates whether this inhibition is time-dependent, which can have implications for dosing regimens and safety.

Time-dependent inhibition (TDI) of hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes is increasingly implicated in most clinically relevant drug-drug interactions (DDIs) (added this line)

CYP450 Phenotyping Studies

This analysis involves identifying which specific CYP450 enzymes are involved in the metabolism of a drug candidate. Different CYP450 enzymes are responsible for metabolizing various drugs, and knowing the enzyme responsible for a drug's metabolism is crucial for predicting potential interactions and understanding the impact of genetic variations in patients.

These metabolism studies are critical in drug development, as they provide valuable insights into how a drug candidate is metabolized, its potential for drug-drug interactions, and whether it may be susceptible to rapid clearance, which can affect its therapeutic effectiveness and dosing recommendations. This knowledge is essential for advancing safe and effective pharmaceuticals through the development process.

Vipragen offers a high-quality Cytochrome P450 induction assay as part of its in vitro experimental ADME services. This assay assesses the potential induction of CYP1A2, CYP2B6, or CYP3A4 enzymes in human hepatocytes, evaluating mRNA levels and/or catalytic activity. The meticulously designed assays adhere to FDA and EMA guidelines to identify compounds' capacity to induce cytochrome P450, crucial for understanding the risk of clinical drug-drug interactions. Test drug concentrations are determined based on expected human plasma drug concentrations and dose, ensuring accuracy by considering factors such as solubility, cytotoxicity, and plasma protein binding. Vipragen's approach provides fold-induction data normalized to the vehicle control, facilitating comparisons and, when applicable, utilizes non-linear regression analysis for additional insights into Emax and EC50 values. This comprehensive assessment contributes valuable insights into the drug development process, aiding in understanding the clinical consequences of cytochrome P450 induction and its potential impact on therapeutic outcomes.

Non-CYP metabolism is a crucial aspect of drug development, involving the examination of metabolic pathways not involving Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes. About one-third of the top 200 prescribed drugs undergo metabolic clearance via non-CYP pathways, emphasizing their significance. Key enzymes in non-CYP metabolism include UDP-glucuronosyl transferases and esterases, along with various less predominant pathways. Regulatory guidelines from the EMA and FDA stress the importance of understanding both CYP and non-CYP pathways if they significantly contribute to drug elimination.

Vipragen's non-CYP metabolism service systematically identifies and characterizes these alternative routes, providing valuable insights into potential drug-drug interactions, safety profiles, and overall pharmacokinetics during early drug development. Approximately one-third of the top 200 prescribed drugs undergo metabolic clearance facilitated by enzymes other than Cytochrome P450s (CYPs). Prominent among these are UDP-glucuronosyl transferases and esterases, constituting approximately 8% and 5% of metabolized drugs, respectively. Several other less predominant pathways include flavin monooxygenases (FMO), monoamine oxidases (MAO), aldehyde oxidases (AO), aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDH), aldo-keto reductases (AKR), alcohol dehydrogenases (ADH), hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSD), sulphotransferases (SULT), N-acetyltransferases (NAT), and glutathione S-transferases (GST). Both the guidance from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on drug interactions recommend elucidating both CYP and non-CYP pathways if they are believed to significantly contribute to drug elimination.

Vipragen's non-CYP metabolism service enhances comprehension by identifying which non-CYP enzymes may be involved in the metabolism of compounds or if the compounds act as inhibitors of non-CYP enzymes. This information proves invaluable in assessing potential drug-drug interactions.

Protein binding studies involve investigating the interaction of a compound with proteins, and Vipragen offers versatile services in this domain:

• » Our studies encompass various matrices such as plasma, serum, whole blood, microsomes, tissue homogenates, or purified proteins like albumin and AGP (Alpha-1-Acid Glycoprotein).
• » We cater to diverse species including human, rodent, and nonrodent, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of protein binding across different biological systems.
• » Our services cater to both initial screening assessments and definitive binding determinations, providing flexibility in the scope of protein binding studies.
• » Vipragen specializes in handling ex vivo samples like plasma and tissue homogenates, allowing for a thorough exploration of protein binding interactions in relevant biological contexts. With a commitment to delivering high-quality data, our protein binding studies contribute valuable insights to drug development and pharmacokinetic assessments.

Vipragen offers comprehensive permeability studies, addressing critical aspects of drug development:

• » Our studies cover various cell lines, including Caco-2 (human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma), MDCK (wild type, canine), MDCK-MDRI (transfected with human P-glycoprotein), and MDCK-BCRP (transfected with human breast cancer resistance protein). This diverse selection ensures a robust assessment of permeability across different cellular models.
• » Cell monolayers are made available on a weekly basis, allowing for regular and consistent experimentation.
• » Our services provide flexibility in study design, offering both uni-directional (A-B flux) and bi-directional (efflux) permeability assessments to cater to specific research needs.
• » Vipragen employs state-of-the-art LC-MS/MS bioanalysis techniques for the precise measurement of analyte levels on both the apical and basolateral sides of cell monolayers. This meticulous approach ensures accurate and reliable data, contributing valuable insights into the permeability characteristics of compounds in the early stages of drug development.

Caco-2 studies refer to in vitro experiments conducted using the Caco-2 cell line, which is derived from human colorectal adenocarcinoma. These studies are widely employed in pharmaceutical research and development to assess the permeability of drug compounds across the intestinal epithelium. The Caco-2 cell line serves as a model for the small intestine, offering valuable insights into a drug's potential absorption and bioavailability. Here are key aspects of Caco-2 studies:

1. Intestinal Permeability Assessment:

Caco-2 monolayers are grown on permeable membrane inserts, creating a cell barrier that mimics the intestinal epithelium. This allows researchers to measure the permeability of drug compounds through the monolayer.

2. Prediction of Absorption:

The Caco-2 model is particularly useful in predicting how well a drug may be absorbed in the human intestine. Compounds that exhibit high permeability across the Caco-2 monolayer are often associated with better absorption in vivo.

3. Uni-directional and Bi-directional Studies:

Caco-2 studies can be designed to measure uni-directional (A-B or B-A) or bi-directional permeability. Uni-directional studies assess the movement of compounds across the monolayer in one direction, while bi-directional studies evaluate both absorptive and efflux transport.

4. Evaluation of Drug-Drug Interactions:

The Caco-2 model is also employed to investigate potential drug-drug interactions, especially those involving efflux transporters like P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Transfected Caco-2 cells expressing specific transporters provide insights into how these proteins may influence drug permeability.

5. Early Screening in Drug Development:

Caco-2 studies are typically conducted in the early stages of drug development to identify and prioritize lead compounds based on their absorption characteristics. This information helps in optimizing drug candidates for enhanced bioavailability.

Caco-2 studies play a crucial role in the early assessment of a drug's ability to pass through the intestinal barrier, providing critical information for optimizing drug candidates and predicting their potential efficacy in the human body.

Metabolic stability studies conducted by Vipragen encompass several key features to comprehensively evaluate the stability of drug compounds:

Microsome Selection:

Vipragen utilizes liver microsomes and S9 fractions in metabolic stability studies. Liver microsomes, derived from the liver tissue, and S9 fractions, which include both microsomal and cytosolic components, are instrumental in simulating hepatic metabolism.

Availability of Non-hepatic Microsomes:

Our studies extend beyond the liver, as non-hepatic microsomes are also available. This broader scope allows for a more comprehensive understanding of metabolic stability in different tissues.

Species Diversity:

Vipragen caters to diverse species, including human, rodent, and nonrodent, ensuring that metabolic stability assessments are conducted across a spectrum of biological systems.

Flexible Formats for Reporting:

Our studies offer flexibility in reporting results, allowing for the presentation of data in various formats such as percentage remaining or intrinsic clearance. Parameters like half-life (T1/2) and clearance (CLint) are employed to provide a detailed assessment of metabolic stability.

Metabolite Monitoring:

Vipragen's metabolic stability studies include an option for monitoring metabolites. This additional dimension enables the identification and characterization of metabolites generated during the metabolic process, contributing valuable insights into the compound's fate.

Metabolic stability studies play a pivotal role in drug development, helping to predict a compound's susceptibility to metabolic degradation in the body. By employing a range of microsomal preparations, accommodating various species, and offering flexible reporting formats, Vipragen's metabolic stability services provide a comprehensive and tailored approach to assess the stability of drug compounds during the early stages of development.

Metabolic stability studies involving hepatocytes conducted by Vipragen are designed with key features to provide a comprehensive assessment of a compound's stability and potential metabolism:

Hepatocyte Selection:

Vipragen employs pooled cryopreserved hepatocytes, which have been preserved in a frozen state, as well as fresh primary hepatocytes. This selection allows for a versatile approach, considering both the convenience of cryopreserved hepatocytes and the physiological relevance of fresh primary hepatocytes.

Species Diversity:

Our metabolic stability studies cover a broad spectrum of species, including human, rodent, and nonrodent. This diverse range ensures that assessments are conducted in various biological contexts, enhancing the relevance of the findings.

Flexible Reporting Formats:

Vipragen offers flexibility in reporting results, allowing for data presentation in different formats such as percentage remaining or intrinsic clearance. Parameters like half-life (T1/2) and clearance (CLint) are employed to provide a detailed understanding of metabolic stability.

Metabolic Monitoring Option:

Our studies include an option for metabolic monitoring, providing insights into the generation of metabolites during the metabolic process. This monitoring option enhances the understanding of the compound's fate and potential biotransformation pathways.

Metabolic stability studies involving hepatocytes are crucial in predicting how a drug compound may be metabolized in the liver, a key organ for drug metabolism. By utilizing different types of hepatocytes, accommodating various species, and offering flexible reporting formats, Vipragen's metabolic stability services provide a robust and tailored approach to assess the stability and metabolism of drug compounds during the early stages of development.

Screening for ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion) in vitro involves assessing various substances such as microsomes, S9 fractions, hepatocytes, ex vivo samples, and materials from plants or sediments. This screening encompasses human, rodent, and nonrodent species. The evaluations can range from initial profiling assessments to more conclusive determinations, utilizing accurate mass measurements.

In-vitro ADME Screening Focus:

• » Assessment of Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) characteristics.
• » Conducted in a laboratory setting outside of a living organism.

Variety of Materials Tested:

• » Microsomes: Small cellular structures used for studying drug metabolism.
• » S9 Fractions: Subcellular fractions derived from liver cells, commonly used in drug metabolism studies.
• » Hepatocytes: Liver cells, crucial for understanding drug metabolism.
• » Ex vivo samples: Tissue samples taken from an organism and studied outside of the living organism.
• » Plant or sediment material: Substances derived from plants or environmental samples.

Species Consideration:

• » Assessment involves human, rodent, and nonrodent species.
• » Reflects the need for a broad understanding of how substances interact with different biological systems.

Screening Levels:

• » Initial Screening Assessments (Profiling): Preliminary evaluations to identify key ADME characteristics.
• » More Definitive Determinations (ID): In-depth assessments providing detailed information, often involving accurate mass measurements.

Accurate Mass Measurement:

• » Utilized in the more definitive determinations.
• » Involves precise measurement of the mass of ions to obtain accurate information about the composition of substances.

In-vitro ADME screening involves the comprehensive evaluation of various substances using a range of materials and species, with assessments varying from initial profiling to more detailed determinations, including accurate mass measurements.

These assays are conducted in a laboratory setting to assess the potential genotoxic effects of substances. Genotoxicity refers to the ability of a substance to cause damage to genetic information.

Specific Genotoxicity Assays:

Ames MPF, Ames II, Mini Ames:

• » These are variations of the Ames test, which is a bacterial mutation test used to evaluate the mutagenic potential of a substance.

Mutation Test (Ames, OECD 471):

• » A widely used test involving bacteria to detect mutations induced by the test substance.

Mammalian Cell Gene Mutation Test (HPRT Gene, OECD 476):

• » Focuses on mammalian cells and specifically evaluates mutations in the HPRT gene.

Mammalian Chromosome Aberration Test (OECD 473):

• » Assesses structural changes in chromosomes in mammalian cells, which can indicate genotoxic effects.

Mammalian Cell Gene Mutation Test (TK Gene, OECD 490):

• » Similar to the test involving the HPRT gene, this assesses mutations but targets the TK (thymidine kinase) gene.

Mammalian Cell Micronucleus Assay (OECD 487)

• » Evaluates the formation of micronuclei in mammalian cells, which can indicate chromosomal damage.

Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH):

• » A technique used to visualize and map the genetic material in an individual's cells, providing insights into potential chromosomal abnormalities.

Purpose of Genotoxicity Assays:

• » To identify substances that may cause genetic damage, which can have implications for carcinogenicity and overall safety.

Regulatory Relevance:

• » These assays are often conducted in accordance with guidelines established by organizations such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
• » In vitro genotoxicity assays, including variations of the Ames test and other mammalian cell-based tests, are employed to evaluate the potential of substances to cause genetic damage, providing crucial information for safety assessments.

In vitro toxicology assays are experiments conducted in a controlled laboratory setting outside of a living organism to assess potential substance toxicity. Unlike in vivo studies, these assays use isolated cells or tissues to understand effects at the cellular or molecular level, crucial for safety assessments and risk identification without live animal testing. The term "in vitro" refers to experiments in a controlled environment, signifying a more ethical and efficient approach to toxicological research and drug development. The primary aim is to identify alternatives to traditional animal-based toxicity testing methods.

Support for 3Rs: Aligned with the principles of the 3Rs - Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement - which aim to reduce and refine the use of animals in research and testing.

Components of Ongoing Efforts:

• » In Silico and In Chemico Testing: These are additional methods that leverage computational and chemical approaches, respectively, to gather information on the toxicity of substances.

Service Offerings:

• » Metabolic Investigations: Examining how substances are processed and metabolized within biological systems.
• » Toxicokinetic Investigations: Studying the movement of substances within the body, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
• » Bioanalytical Investigations: Analyzing substances within biological samples, often involving both qualitative and quantitative data.

Qualitative and Quantitative Data:

• » Qualitative Data: Descriptive information about the nature of toxicity or metabolic processes.
• » Quantitative Data: Numerical measurements providing precise information about the extent or concentration of substances.

Overall Contribution:

• » Advancing Alternative Methods: Contributing to the development and advancement of non-animal testing methods.
• » Scientific Commitment: Demonstrating a commitment to scientific advancements that align with ethical considerations in research and testing.
• » In vitro toxicology assays, alongside in silico and in chemico approaches, play a crucial role in the ongoing efforts to find alternatives to animal-based toxicity testing. These services encompass a range of investigations, providing both qualitative and quantitative data to support scientific advancements and ethical research practices.