Charles River and Toxys Collaborate on ReproTracker for Developmental Toxicity Testing

Charles River Laboratories and Toxys have partnered to offer clients access to ReproTracker, a human stem cell-based in vitro assay that identifies developmental toxicity hazards of new drugs and chemicals. The assay complements traditional toxicology methods and can be used as an early-phase developmental toxicity screening platform or alternative for animal-free teratogenicity testing. The collaboration is part of Charles River's commitment to incorporating New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and supporting the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) in drug development.

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE: CRL) and Toxys have entered into a strategic partnership to offer clients access to ReproTracker®, a state-of-the-art human stem cell-based in vitro assay designed to rapidly and reliably identify developmental toxicity hazards in new drugs and chemicals. This collaboration marks a significant advancement in the field of toxicology, complementing traditional methods and providing an alternative to animal-based testing.

ReproTracker®, developed by Toxys, leverages human stem cells to investigate potential interference with early embryonic development and quantitatively predict teratogenic potential. The assay can serve as an early-phase developmental toxicity screening platform, an alternative for animal-free teratogenicity testing, or a tool to extrapolate animal-derived results to humans. This collaboration is part of Charles River's broader commitment to incorporating New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and supporting the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) in drug development.

Elise Lewis, PhD, ATS, Principal Director and Global Lead, DART (Pharmaceuticals) at Charles River, stated, "ReproTracker is a one-of-a-kind in vitro solution to enable safe and effective developmental toxicity testing. DART is a critical step in the nonclinical phase of drug and chemical development, and we are pleased to offer our clients access to a tool that can help ensure the safety of patients and consumers."

Amer Jamalpoor, Chief Scientific Officer at Toxys, added, "Our collaboration with Charles River enables us to accelerate the adoption of ReproTracker and strengthen its validation as a valuable non-animal alternative to classical in vivo approaches for DART."

This partnership is the latest addition to Charles River's robust Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology (DART) offerings, which span pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, industrial chemicals, and food additives. Charles River maintains an extensive historical control database to aid in data interpretation and inform future client studies. As part of the company's Alternative Methods Advancement Project™ (AMAP™), access to ReproTracker reinforces Charles River's commitment to incorporating NAMs while maintaining the highest standards of patient safety.

The collaboration underscores both companies' dedication to scientific excellence and sustainability. Toxys, a Dutch biotechnology company, is focused on improving chemical safety through innovative, animal-free testing solutions. Charles River, a leading provider of essential products and services for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, aims to accelerate research and drug development efforts globally.