01. Discover
Toxicity and Exposure Modeling in the Chemical Industry

Industrial toxicologists must ensure that chemicals are safe for animals, humans, and the environment. Furthermore, pressure is being exerted to abide by the 3 R’s of animal testing; replace, reduce, and refine.  In vitro assays are currently being developed and employed in the industry as models for in vivo toxicity.

Typical modes of toxic action include:

  • carcinogenesis
  • teratogenesis
  • mutagenesis
  • organ toxicity (liver, kidney, heart, etc.)
  • biochemical and molecular toxicology

These experiments are costly, not only in terms of the cost of equipment also due to consumption of the chemicals.  This is one area where in silico modeling can be used to augment experiments.  The Toxicity Module in ADMET Predictor® contains several models to predict in vitro experimental endpoints.  Of course, this method does not consume the chemical and they can be applied to virtual compounds.

02. Example Models
ADMET Predictor Toxicity module

Below are a few examples of models included in ADMET Predictor Toxicity module:

In vitro experiments can indicate that a compound is highly potent and therefore  toxic but it must be present in sufficient concentration in the tissue or organ in order to produce in vivo toxicity.  The image below illustrates the possible fate of a toxicant.  The first step is exposure of the chemical to a species.  This can occur via oral ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact/permeation.  The chemical can then be absorbed into the blood stream and distributed throughout the body and into various tissues and organs.  High metabolic clearance of the chemical can reduce its toxicity.

Exposure Graphic