Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) remain one of the most significant challenges in drug development. Remarkably, around 75% of these ADRs are dose-dependent and can be predicted based on the pharmacological profiles of drug candidates.
The only in vitro pharmacology assay required by regulatory authorities is the assessment of the effects on voltage-gated potassium channel (KCNH2 or hERG). Blockade of hERG channels is closely linked to the development of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, like torsades de pointes. While the hERG assay is mandatory, current regulations do not offer specific guidance on which additional targets should be included in an in vitro pharmacology panel or when these profiles should be generated during drug discovery. This gap in guidance leaves many pharmaceutical companies to define their safety profiling strategies.
Reaction Biology’s
In Vitro Safety Pharmacology Profiling Services
The Industry Standard Panel of Targets for Early Safety Profiling
In 2012, four leading pharmaceutical companies—AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, and Pfizer—defined what has become an industry standard panel of 44 targets for in vitro pharmacological profiling. This panel consists of:
- 24 G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)
- 7 ion channels
- 6 intracellular enzymes
- 3 neurotransmitter transporters
- 2 nuclear hormone receptors
- 1 kinase
These targets span core biological systems like the central nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems, as well as secondary organs such as the gastrointestinal and renal systems. Profiling against these 44 targets provides a comprehensive early assessment of a drug candidate’s safety.

Reaction Biology’s InVEST44™ Panel
At Reaction Biology, we offer the InVEST44™ panel of industry standard in vitro safety targets, tailored for high-throughput screening (HTS).
Here’s why working with us makes sense for your drug discovery efforts:
- Ten-Day Turnaround: quick turnaround with easy shipping to our US-based facility
- Flexibility: monthly panel runs supported by a world-class client service and scheduling team
- Customization: multiple concentrations and assay formats, plus individual targets on-demand
- Expert Support: a dedicated team of scientists oversees your project, offering valuable insights into potential ADRs
- Quality Data: reference controls for each target, providing you with high-quality, reliable results for your safety assessment
NEW LAUNCH!
Discover the latest targets from our InVEST44™ panel
Conclusion
In vitro pharmacological profiling has become an indispensable part of early drug development. By using tools like the InVEST44™ panel, pharmaceutical companies can gain critical insights into off-target interactions, predict ADRs early, and make informed decisions that reduce development time, costs, and risks. By investing in early-stage safety testing, the likelihood of successfully bringing a safe and effective drug to market is greatly increased.
Let Reaction Biology help you ensure your drug candidate is as safe as possible, right from the start.