ADME research is critical to drug development because it helps researchers and clinicians understand how the body processes drugs. This knowledge can optimize drug formulations, and dosing regimens, and identify potential drug interactions or adverse reactions.
Protheragen-ING Lab specializes in providing in vitro ADME services to evaluate the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion characteristics of drugs. Our in vitro ADME studies provide valuable insights into the pharmacokinetic properties of drug candidates. They help researchers understand how a drug behaves in the human body, enabling them to make informed decisions about its potential efficacy and safety before advancing it into clinical trials.
What is ADME?
ADME stands for absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion and describes the process a drug undergoes in the body from the time it is administered until it is eliminated.
Below is a brief description of each component of ADME:
- Absorption: The process by which a substance enters the bloodstream from the site of administration (e.g., oral ingestion, injection, dermal application).
- Distribution: The movement of a substance throughout the body via the bloodstream, reaching various organs and tissues.
- Metabolism: The biochemical transformations that a substance undergoes in the body, often in the liver, to convert it into other substances (metabolites).
- Excretion: The removal of a substance or its metabolites from the body, usually through urine, feces, breath, or sweat.
List of our in vitro ADME tests
Our in vitro ADME services are performed by experienced scientists utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and proven protocols. These services typically involve the use of cell-based assays, tissue cultures, and other laboratory techniques to mimic the behavior of compounds in the human body.
Physicochemical Property Screening
| Kinetic solubility | The solubility of a compound is an important parameter in predicting its gastrointestinal absorption. We evaluate the solubility of our subjects under a variety of conditions, including pH and temperature. |
| LogD | Determine the partition coefficient between the lipophilic phase (e.g., octanol) and the hydrophilic phase (e.g., water) of the subject to gain insight into its lipophilicity. |
Metabolic Stability
| Hepatocyte stability | Assesses the stability of a subject in hepatocytes. Hepatocytes are the system of choice for in vitro drug metabolism studies. |
| Microsomal stability | Assesses the stability of a subject in microsomes (subcellular fractions containing drug-metabolizing enzymes). |
| S9 stability | Tests the stability of subjects in the S9 fraction, which consists of microsomes and cytoplasmic lysates containing a variety of Phase I and Phase II enzymes. |
| Plasma stability | Evaluates the stability of subjects in plasma (containing esterase and protease activity). Subjects with ester and amide bonds should be routinely tested for plasma stability. |
| Chemical stability | Examine the stability of the subject under a variety of conditions, including pH, temperature, and light. |
Enzyme Inhibition
| Cytochrome P450 (CYP) inhibition | Evaluate the potential of the subject to inhibit specific cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in drug metabolism. |
| hERG inhibition | Evaluate the subject's interaction with the hERG potassium channel, which is important for cardiac function. |
Protein Binding
| Plasma protein binding | Determines the extent to which a compound binds to plasma proteins, affecting their distribution and availability. |
| Microsomal binding assay | Assesses the binding of compounds to microsomal proteins, providing insight into their intracellular distribution. |
| Tissue binding assay | Evaluate the binding of compounds to various tissues to help understand their distribution in the body. |
Metabolite Identification/Analysis
Use high-resolution mass spectrometry for initial screening assessments or more definitive assays on microsomes, S9, hepatocytes, or isolated samples.
Permeability and Transport Protein Assays
| Caco-2 permeability | Assess the ability of compounds to cross the intestinal barrier using Caco-2 cells, a widely accepted model for predicting intestinal absorption. |
| MDCK permeability | Compound permeability is assessed using Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells that mimic the intestinal epithelium. |
| Transporter protein assays | Study the interaction of compounds with transporter proteins involved in drug absorption and disposition. |
A strong commitment to quality and scientific rigor
Protheragen-ING Lab has an unwavering commitment to quality and scientific rigor in all aspects of our in vitro ADME services. To ensure the highest level of quality, we adhere to strict quality control measures at every step of the process. Our experienced team of scientists follows standardized protocols and utilizes state-of-the-art equipment and technology.
We also prioritize scientific rigor in our approach. Our tests are designed according to sound scientific principles and methods. By adhering to the highest standards of quality and scientific rigor, our goal is to provide our clients with reliable data that they can confidently rely on for decision-making.
When you choose our in vitro ADME services, you can trust that your project will be handled with the utmost care, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.
Contact us today to learn more about how our strong commitment to quality and scientific rigor can benefit your research and development efforts. We look forward to working with you on your journey to successful drug discovery.