Cyprotex Launches Cloe® Select UGT1A1 Inhibition Assay

Uridine glucuronyl transferases (UGT) are a family of enzymes which play a major role in the Phase II metabolism of drugs. UGT1A1 is a member of the UGT1A subfamily which is the only known human UGT involved in the glucuronidation of the endogenous substance, bilirubin.

Inhibition of UGT1A1 enzyme has the potential to produce increased levels of bilirubin in the circulation which can lead to toxicological effects. This can be further exacerbated in conditions such as Gilbert’s Syndrome where a genetic mutation reduces the ability of UGT1A1 to effectively metabolise drugs or endogenous substances. Assessment of UGT1A1 inhibition is, therefore, now being recognised and performed earlier during drug development of New Drug Entities (NDE) to decrease the likelihood of the progression of a compound with the potential to cause adverse effects.

As with all our services on offer at Cyprotex, the UGT1A1 inhibition assay has been fully validated and meets the high quality expected by our customers. The service is provided under our Cloe® Select range of assays and has been developed in response to customer demand.

Dr Anthony D Baxter comments on the launch ‘We are committed to expanding our Cloe® Select portfolio during 2009. The launch of the UGT1A1 inhibition service is just one of a number of new additions we are expecting to introduce this year.’

Cyprotex is a specialist provider of ADME data and pharmacokinetic predictive services. In combination, our Cloe® Screen, Cloe® Select and Cloe® Predict services offer an integrated solution for both experimental screening and prediction, fulfilling the needs of our broad and varied customer base.