INDIGO Biosciences Announces Release of Assay Kit for Testing Multi-Drug Resistance

State College, PA (19 June 2019) – INDIGO Biosciences, Inc. (INDIGO), the recognized industry leader in nuclear receptor and in vitro toxicology testing solutions, announced the addition of the Human MDR-1 / P-Glycoprotein Drug Interaction Assay to their portfolio. This kit expands INDIGO’s existing in vitro toxicology offerings and allows researchers to perform critical toxicology testing previously available only through contract services into their own labs.

“The addition of the MDR1 assay to INDIGO’s portfolio gives discovery scientists the ability to get results quickly on one of the most critical aspects of drug development. By combining our nuclear receptor expertise and additional predictive toxicology indicators such as MDR1, researchers can be confident that they are ready to take the next step in development,” says Dr. Jack Vanden Heuvel, Chief Scientific Officer of INDIGO. Dr. Vanden Heuvel was also awarded a Podium Presentation at the 2019 Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting to share data and research utilizing the new MDR1 assay, along with the Company’s new gene expression and predictive liver toxicity assays, with the drug discovery and development communities.

The Multidrug Resistance Protein 1 (MDR1) plays a critical role in the removal of foreign substances – such as toxins or drugs – from the body by protecting cells from toxification. MDR1 activators range from pollutants, such as those encountered through unintended exposure to industrial and agricultural chemicals, to drugs administered for therapeutic benefit.

A drug that is either a substrate or inhibitor of MDR1 can profoundly impact the rate of absorption, distribution, or excretion of co-administered drugs, leading to significant changes in their effectiveness and potential toxicity. The MDR1 multidrug resistance transporter impacts the development of antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and mortality. MDR1 interaction is often cited as a precursor to drug-drug interactions on product labels and particularly in the use of digoxin, a common heart medication used to treat heart failure and heart rhythm problems. Not surprisingly, assessing the potency of this interaction, and thus the potential for drug-drug interactions, is mandated by the FDA.

The new assay kit offered by INDIGO Biosciences contains all necessary materials to allow for two independent 48-well assay setups. Each aliquot of cells is provided as a single-use reagent, though both may be combined to run one full assay plate. MDR1 Drug Interaction Assay utilizes the Company’s proprietary CryoMite™ preservation process, allowing for exceptional cell viability post-thaw and eliminating the need for cumbersome intermediate steps. As with INDIGO’s other product offerings, the testing process takes only 24 hours, providing researchers with clear, reproducible data without the longer wait times associated with most alternative testing options.