Assays based on receptor targets and ion channels are the most popular screening targets, and these target processes are greatly enhanced by their study in a cellular environment. More generally, cell-based assays allow screening under physiological conditions, and provide information on the nature of the pharmacological activity of a compound that cannot be obtained from a simplistic biochemical assay analysing only one discrete biological event. Moreover, cell-based assays can immediately select against compounds that are generally cytotoxic, or that cannot permeate cellular membranes to reach intracellular targets. Thus, hit and lead compounds identified through cell-based assays have passed important validation steps, saving valuable time and costs in the development of a drug.

AvantiCell's technology has found application in testing of novel biomaterials, in the evaluation of potential therapeutics from novel sources e.g. marine microbes, and in the quality-control of traditional medicines.

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