Toxys extends mutation analysis offering through Mutagentech collaboration
Toxys, a contract research organisation CRO) specialising in animal-free toxicology, has announced a strategic collaboration with Mutagentech, a biotechnology company focused on advanced genomic technologies, to bring single-molecule mutation sequencing (SMM-seq) to pharmaceutical, chemical and consumer product developers.
Under the arrangement, Toxys becomes the first European CRO to offer SMM-seq, an error-corrected next-generation sequencing platform developed by Mutagentech for the ultra-sensitive detection and characterisation of chemically induced DNA mutations. The companies said the collaboration is intended to give developers access to richer mutation data to support mechanistic understanding, compound development and safety assessment.
How the technology differs
Conventional gene mutation assays typically report mutation frequency alone. SMM-seq, by contrast, generates both quantitative mutation frequencies and detailed mutation spectra, allowing scientists to examine the mechanisms underlying DNA damage and mutation induction rather than simply confirming whether mutations have occurred. According to the companies, the platform can be applied across in vitro cell models, organoids, organ-on-a-chip systems and in vivo tissues, giving it applicability across a range of study designs used in genetic toxicology.
The collaboration builds on earlier joint work between the two companies, which led to the launch of MutaTracker® in 2024. That partnership combined Mutagentech’s sequencing expertise with Toxys’ established genetic toxicology capabilities and its development of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), an area of growing interest as testing strategies move away from traditional animal-based models.
Regulatory interest in error-corrected sequencing
The companies noted that OECD expert groups and regulatory authorities are increasingly examining how error-corrected sequencing technologies might complement existing genotoxicity testing strategies by providing sequence-level mutation data with higher resolution than conventional approaches. Toxys said the collaboration allows customers to begin working with these emerging capabilities now, while aligning their testing strategies with the anticipated direction of regulatory science.
Commenting on the announcement, Chris Bradley, Chief Executive Officer of Mutagentech, said: “Partnering with Toxys allows us to bring SMM-seq to a much broader community of researchers and product developers through an organisation recognised worldwide for scientific excellence in genetic toxicology. Together, we will help customers generate more informative mutation data and gain deeper insight into the biological consequences of chemical exposure.”
Giel Hendriks, Chief Executive Officer of Toxys, said: “Our clients are looking for testing strategies that go beyond hazard identification to provide meaningful mechanistic insight. By adding SMM-seq to our portfolio, we can offer one of the most advanced mutation analysis technologies currently available. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to delivering innovative, animal-free solutions that support better science and better regulatory decisions.”
Toxys is based in Oegstgeest, the Netherlands, and provides in vitro toxicology services for the safety assessment of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, cosmetics and food-related products, with particular focus on genetic, developmental and investigative toxicology.
