With experience of using over 40 human cell lines, Epistem undertakes routine lead compound screening. In vitro activity is determined, and the most appropriate cell line can then be selected to progress through to xenograft efficacy studies. Analysis is performed using laser scanning fluorescence microplate cytometry using the Acumen® Explorer to provide simultaneous readouts from a single 96- well plate.

Readouts

• IC50 and EC50 doses
• Effects on viable cell number, cell proliferation, apoptosis
• Effects on target expression levels (IHC, qRT-PCR)
• Detailed time course studies to define drug action

Epistem are also developing a range of proprietary cell lines for preliminary in vitro testing including;

• Cancer “stem cell” lines
• A selection of cell lines with specific chemoresistance to traditional chemotherapies

Epistem’s scientists have also established a unique adult primary intestinal epithelium assay in a 96-well format to test the effects of active agents (and likely side-effects) upon normal intestinal epithelium.