In November 2004 Lux Biotechnology launched a drug discovery technology based on moulds that glow in the dark
The moulds are used in innovative drug discovery assays and glow under test conditions.
The level and pattern of light emitted from these assays relate to the specific biological activity in the test sample.
The company believes its new assays provide a screening method that will accelerate the discovery of new medicines and may even reduce the reliance of the pharmaceutical industry on animal testing.
Patrick Hickey, the chief technology officer of Lux, said many naturally occurring organisms glow, but only when they are alive.
The degree of luminescence can be an accurate measure of their health.
"We can now engineer these fungi to glow in response to different drugs and pollutants," Hickey said.
"You add the drug and then watch out for a distinctive change in the light output".
The patented moulds are similar at a basic cellular level to animals so they are an ideal testing ground.
"The results from our tests are rapid, accurate and offer an alternative to animal testing methods," Hickey added.
The Lux mould system has many unique advantages, which enable the testing of thousands of samples quickly and efficiently.
Artin Moussavi, the chief executive of Lux, said the fact that Lux use whole organisms in their drug screens rather than cells or molecules improves the potential to gain more accurate information.
Lux is about to put its screening technology to good use in the search for new drug candidates.
The company will screen thousands of potential new drugs for the treatment of neurological disorders, heart disease and fungal infections such as thrush and apsergillosis.
Food safety is another potential area with the food industry needing to test additives and colourings for harmful effects.
Batches of food or drink believed to be contaminated by toxic substances can also be tested.
