Predictive Toxicology Contract Research Organisation and Infrastructure Development
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Karolinska Institutet - Institutet för miljömedicin |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 874 433 |
| Project duration | December 2015 - November 2018 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Eurostars |
Purpose and goal
The vision of transforming chemical and drug safety testing relies on the application of computational methods along with data from in vitro cellular models. To this end, Predictive Toxicogenomics Space (PTGS) leveraged large-scale “Big Data” analyses tools are broadly useful for preclinical safety testing of diverse agents. Partner KI has a completed product under the ToxHQ umbrella able to predict drug-induced liver injury in humans. Overall, KI has also made breakthroughs in PTGS-based analysis for more precise delineation of agents’ toxic modes of action and similarity.
Expected results and effects
KI performed key analyses needed for generating novel toxicogenomics tools and successfully adapted them to customer needs as delineated by two large-scale pilot projects with major pharmaceuticals companies developing investigational drugs. Standardized tools can be applied to multiple gene expression platforms and cell-based or in vivo model systems. Services applying the PTGS safety testing concept can be ordered via Predictomics AB, the company established to cooperate within theToxHQ portal and ecosystem, overall aimed at providing external stakeholder services.
Planned approach and implementation
The project was implemented with commercial partners in Sweden and Switzerland. ToxHQ provides an ecosystem for SMEs to deploy sophisticated analysis tools according to customer needs. Partner KI graduated the PTGS analysis tool via diverse validation studies to a high technology/commercial readiness level through extensive pilot projects in broad cooperations within and outside of the project team. KI further established the company Predictomics AB to commercialize the PTGS tool. Standardized workflows and protocols ensure quality and reproducibility of offered analyses.