Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2026

Screening for Endocrine Activity in Water Using Commercially-available In Vitro Transactivation Bioassays
Published on: December 4, 2016
Progress and problems in the replacement of in vivo pharmacopoeial bioassays for hormones
1National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Potters Bar, Herts UK.
Abstract:
In vivo bioassays for peptide and protein hormones have, until recently, represented a major use of laboratory animals. Advances in physico-chemical methodology, particularly HPLC, have moved most of these substances into the "non-biological" category. Newer soluble regulators (interferons, cytokines, growth factors), will probably be controlled by in vitro bioassays, obviating the need for validation of alternatives. Validation of in vitro alternatives for glycoproteins remains problematic, and is the subject of current research and development.
Related Concept Videos
Toxicity Testing in Animals
Equivalence: In Vitro and In Vivo Bioequivalence
Bioequivalence studies: Biowaivers
Preclinical Development: Overview
Drug Products: Biologics, Biosimilars and Interchangeables
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Bioavailability

