Establishing the market-readiness of an in vivo technology for assessing drug toxicity-induced tissue damage

PROJECT SUMMARY There is a substantial and growing need for in vivo toxicity testing, as in drug R&D it is critical to be able to understand toxicity and to identify and eliminate overly toxic candidates. We developed an imaging-based approach that detects toxicity-induced tissue injury in a minimally invasive, whole body and dynamic fashion. The goal of the current Phase II STTR grant is to expand the marketability and market readiness of the technology by demonstrating a broadened scope of utilities including semi-quantitative characterization and drug safety. Overall, this in vivo imaging approach identifies an important marker for drug toxicity on a personalized basis with objective and quantitative metric. The early detection of drug toxicity in susceptible tissues will help make timely decisions in drug R&D by prioritizing safe and efficacious candidates. The technology is applicable to multiple stages in pharmaceutical R&D and is expected to generate a significant impact on drug development and drug safety.