Toxys and Mutagentech have expanded their collaboration to make single-molecule mutation sequencing available through contract research services in Europe, giving pharmaceutical, chemical and consumer product developers access to more detailed information on DNA mutations and their underlying mechanisms.
Toxicology testing specialist Toxys has entered into a strategic collaboration with biotechnology company Mutagentech to offer single-molecule mutation sequencing (SMM-seq) as part of its contract research services.
The agreement makes Toxys the first European contract research organisation (CRO) to offer Mutagentech's proprietary SMM-seq technology, which is designed to detect chemically induced DNA mutations at very high sensitivity.
The technology could provide researchers with a more detailed understanding of the effects of chemical exposure than conventional gene mutation assays. While traditional approaches predominantly measure mutation frequency, SMM-seq can determine both quantitative mutation frequencies and detailed mutation spectra.
This additional information can help scientists investigate how DNA damage occurs and understand the mechanisms responsible for particular mutations. Such insights have potential applications throughout pharmaceutical and chemical development, as well as wider product safety assessment.
The collaboration builds on an existing relationship between the two companies, which resulted in the launch of MutaTracker in 2024. It combines Mutagentech's expertise in ultra-sensitive sequencing with Toxys' work in genetic toxicology and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs).
Interest in error-corrected sequencing techniques is also increasing within regulatory science. OECD expert groups and regulatory authorities are exploring how higher-resolution, sequence-level mutation data could complement established approaches to genotoxicity assessment.
"Our mission is to translate cutting-edge sequencing technologies into practical solutions that advance genetic toxicology," said Chris Bradley, CEO of Mutagentech. He added that working with Toxys would make SMM-seq accessible to a wider community of researchers and product developers.
Giel Hendriks, CEO of Toxys, said customers are increasingly seeking testing strategies that provide mechanistic information in addition to identifying potential hazards.
"By adding SMM-seq to our portfolio, we can offer one of the most advanced mutation analysis technologies currently available," he said.
The companies believe combining advanced sequencing with genetic toxicology expertise could support the development of more informative, animal-free testing strategies while preparing researchers for the continued evolution of regulatory approaches to chemical and product safety.
