XenoTech Announces the Addition of In Vitro Toxicology to Its Extensive Portfolio of Drug Development Services; Appoints Colleen Toole as Principal Scientist of Newly Formed Department

July 14, 2015

LENEXA, KS, UNITED STATES - Jul 14, 2015 - Contract Research Organization XenoTech, LLC, a division of Sekisui, announces the addition of in vitro toxicology to its global drug development service portfolio. The company is launching the ECVAM validated skin irritation screening assay (OECD TG 439) immediately, with additional screens for skin sensitization, ocular irritation and other organotypic models beginning this fall (2015) and future platforms expanding into endocrine disruption, genetox and hepatotoxicity.

XenoTech has appointed Colleen Toole, Ph.D., as the Principal Scientist of its newly created in vitro toxicology group. Colleen will oversee all operations of the new department and will be instrumental in the continued development of XenoTech’s in vitro toxicology services.  Colleen has a strong knowledge of predictive in vitro toxicology models to identify new drug candidates, chemicals, cosmetics, and consumer products that present a low risk for toxicity.

“I am delighted and excited to join the quality scientific team at XenoTech and provide our clients with a diverse array of assays and testing services that will assist them in bringing safer products to market,” said Dr. Toole.

“The formation of our new in vitro toxicology department shows XenoTech’s commitment to expanding into complementing areas around our extensive ADME - DMPK expertise.  This natural extension of our capabilities will enable us to better predict in vivo outcomes through in vitro systems,” said XenoTech COO Jason Neat.

XenoTech is combining the thorough investigation of compounds with internal in vitro expertise to design the most robust in vitro systems on the market. The company is focused on delivering both regulated and non-regulated assays that will provide the client with a definitive answer regarding the toxicity of their compound.

“In vitro toxicology is only one component within the ongoing expansion of our offerings to match the needs of our customers and reduce the time, expense and headache involved in bringing a drug to market,” added Neat.

About XenoTech, a division of Sekisui.
XenoTech, LLC is a global Contract Research Organization with unparalleled experience and proven expertise from discovery through clinical support, providing cell and tissue-based products, screening, radiolabeling, API manufacturing, in vitro ADMET and pharmacology, in vivo ADMET and QWBA, metabolite ID and production, bioanalytical services and consulting.  XenoTech's product selection includes a wide-range of high quality standard reagents, from subcellular fractions and hepatocytes to recombinant enzymes, substrates and metabolites. The company also regularly prepares and delivers custom-designed products and services in response to client requests. For additional information, please refer to the company's website at www.xenotechllc.com or call your local XenoTech representative.