ACuteTox goes into a new phase

14 October 2008

 

The testing within the ACuteTox project has been finalised and data has been quality checked. The data is now being analysed with partial least squares regression (PLS) analyses in order to find the combination of assays giving the best prediction.

 

However, so far different combinations of basal cytotoxicity tests and specific tests only marginally improve the prediction compared to using basal cytotoxicity tests alone. By taking kinetic factors into account, the prediction could be approved further. The following four kinetic factors seem to be important: oral absorption, clearance, lipophilicity and protein binding.

 

It has been concluded that further data analysis and data mining is needed before the construction of the testing strategy can be initiated. This data analysis and data mining will be carried out by an independent expert that has not been involved in the assay development and testing. These analyses will start in November 08.

 

The first results shall be delivered after 3 months from the start of the contract and a report with a list of selected assays (maximum 10) shall be provided within 6 months. This short list will be further discussed with the ACuteTox Management and Advisory Board who will decide on the methods to be taken up in the challenging exercise (pre-validation).

 

At least three testing strategies will be selected. These strategies will be challenged with the new data generated during the prevalidation and the best performing strategy will thereafter be proposed.