TNO, The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research

I-SCREEN

TNO developed the i-screen platform for in vitro evaluation of drug metabolism through intestinal microbiota. Human gut microbiota are cultured anaerobically in a multi-well system to mimic the human intestinal in vivo metabolism. This allows for determining the potential of intestinal microbiota to metabolize drug candidates.

In years of research, TNO has gained a wealth of knowledge about a number of disease areas (a.o. atherosclerosis, diabetes, obesity, fibrosis, and diabetic complications such as NASH and diabetic nephropathy) and disease processes. This expertise is supported by many validated in vitro and in vivo models, a range of - often unique - read-out parameters, and an extensive academic and clinical network. Our experience enables us to offer you an unmatched variety of administration routes and optimal study conditions.

TNO has a long-standing reputation in toxicological research and compound safety evaluation. We are very experienced in the field of non-clinical research. Therefore, TNO is the partner of first choice for consultancy on or performance of complete non-clinical packages for your compound. From small molecules to biopharmaceuticals, TNO will perform your studies promptly, reliably and in accordance with the latest guidelines.
Please view the following information sheets for more information about are areas of research

TNO's kinetics and metabolism experts will help you select and further develop your candidate drugs. Working in cooperation with our pharmacologists, our experts develop systems to explore kinetics and metabolism in disease models.

Please view the following information sheets for more information about are areas of research.

Determine microbiota composition in human subjects, and allow for accurate measurement and monitoring of microbiomes in various stages of scientific research to accelerate advancement and discovery. TNO has a wide range of available tools to increase understanding of the impact and interaction of the microbiome on human health. This is key to determining how various diseases change the body, and how various drugs can impact that change.

TNO allows the analysis of microbiota compositions on samples from a broad range of origins and matrices. We use techniques such as amplicon sequencing, whole genome sequencing (WGS), metagenomics, RNAseq and qPCR.

TNO can also support every aspect of management of these large data sets. From data handling and storage, statistical and biological analysis and interpretation to advanced machine-learning tools to identify patterns in the complex data. Furthermore, our platforms allow for high-throughput ex-vivo analysis of shifts in microbiota upon exposure to compounds, ingredients or other changes. This can accelerate understanding of drug interactions and metabolism, and the relation between microbiome and diseases such as IBD and colon cancer, which will lead to further understanding of how shifts in the microbiome impact health.

InTESTine, a new in vitro intestinal model using ex vivo intestinal epithelium, uses healthy porcine or human tissue to model and predict drug absorption in human subjects. InTESTine allows the simultaneous study of multiple intestinal segments (duodenum, jejunum, ileum & colon) to determine regional differences in absorption under controlled conditions. This enables screening for toxicity (safety), early immune responses, and/or endocrine responses to potential drug therapies at the pre-clinical stage.

In years of research, TNO has gained a wealth of knowledge about a number of disease areas (a.o. atherosclerosis, diabetes, obesity, fibrosis, and diabetic complications such as NASH and diabetic nephropathy) and disease processes. This expertise is supported by many validated in vitro and in vivo models, a range of - often unique - read-out parameters, and an extensive academic and clinical network. Our experience enables us to offer you an unmatched variety of administration routes and optimal study conditions.

Toxicology Services

Drug Discovery & Development Services

Pharmacology Services

Cell and Tissue Culture Services