We are experienced searchers
Our scientists know that a robust risk assessment relies upon quality data. We are experienced searchers of the major toxicity literature databases, databanks and internet. In addition, our in-house database, TRACE, gives us valuable access to Expert Group reports. All of the documents on TRACE have been selected and indexed by our expert toxicologists, ensuring chemical-specific, reliable and highly efficient retrieval of relevant information. This unique combination is a key part of nearly every project we work on, and the details of our search methods are described in resulting reports with a high degree of transparency.
Identifying search terms
We have years of experience in selecting and using search terms likely to be relevant to a client’s areas of interest, potentially saving a great deal of time that would otherwise be spent trawling through irrelevant hits. Searches of TRACE, in particular, can be focused with just a few clicks, providing a much more relevant output than comparable external databases.
Read-across
Data-poor target compounds may have data-rich structural analogues or metabolites/ precursors. With a robust read-across approach based on surrogate data, the use of Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC)-based risk assessments or laboratory testing on the target compound can be avoided. Our extensive expertise in this area allows us to assess and justify the relevance of read-across compounds in providing toxicological insights. We routinely run parallel literature searches on target and read-across compounds and provide a comprehensive data matrix containing the resultant bibliographic details.
Literature search strategies & sources
When it comes to searching for toxicity data, we are ideally placed to help. For decades, we have performed searches of a tried-and-tested series of external databases (including some subscription-only packages) using searching strategies tailored to a sector. Our literature-searching skills (along with our extensive evaluation expertise) are invaluable in conducting full reviews for any chemical substance.
Literature monitoring
In addition to performing one-off literature searches for use in health risk assessments, we offer a “current awareness” literature monitoring service, sometimes known as Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI) service. We carry out regular searches, at requested intervals, of an agreed range of data sources, for new toxicity data on substances of commercial or research importance to specific clients. Together with our Toxicology and Regulatory News, this ensures that always have the most relevant literature at their fingertips for continued regulatory compliance and knowledge of changes within the industry. Literature monitoring can be broken down by:
- Global
- Local
- Ad hoc
Some of our case studies in this area
A human health risk assessment of API-related impurities
Case study
Whilst developing an inhalation spray drug product, the client identified two impurities with chemical structures related to the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API). Click through to read more about how we dealt with this interesting project.
Human health risk assessment of unknown contamination
Case study
The client reported that small “brown spots” had been observed on the inside surface of a batch of aluminium tubes that contain a topical drug product. The source and chemical composition of the brown spots was unknown. Click through to read more about how we dealt with this interesting project.
Toxicological risk assessment of a disinfecting agent in a syringe medical device
Case study
The client manufactures a product which is used as part of a syringe line medical device. The connection set-up has the potential to introduce a disinfectant chemical into the line and be injected into patients. Click through to read more about how we dealt with this interesting project.
Related Resources
Knowledge is key. Part 1: Toxicity literature searching, a personal history
Knowledge is key. Part 2: The bibra TRACE database (and supporting databank)
