Stem cell based teratogen test
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Toxcode AB - Institutionen för fysiologi och farmakologi, KI |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 496 558 |
| Project duration | November 2014 - November 2016 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
The aim of this project was to create a proof-of-concept for our stem cell-based test of developmentally toxic (teratogenic) effects. Our results show teratogenic effects of substances such as thalidomide (also known as neurosedyn). Teratogenic effects of thalidomide can only be seen in mice and rabbits for extremely high doses of the substance, which is one of the reasons for the thalidomide tragedy in the sixties. We can, with our system, detect effects of lower doses of thalidomide than other tests and our test is also cheaper, less costly and more reproducible.
Expected results and effects
We are, with our method, able to detect substances´ teratogenic effects at low doses and since the test is both quicker and less costly than the tests that are available on the market today it holds great promise. The method is easy to scale up to a high throughput system for screening of substances from the chemical industry as well as for use in the pharmacological field.
Planned approach and implementation
The method is based on strategic collaborations with groups that are world leading in their respective fields, which guarantees specialist skills within each technique. The bioinformatical methods for the data analysis and the database containing the results of the analyses will form a big asset in the company and these areas are the future focus for the development of our business.