Metabolite Profiling & Identification
Metabolite profiling and identification (MetID) studies provide critical insights into drug biotransformation, clearance pathways, active and reactive metabolites, and human-specific metabolites that may impact efficacy, safety, and regulatory strategy. These studies support informed decision-making from lead optimization through clinical development and regulatory submission.
Why Metabolite Identification Matters
Drug metabolism can significantly influence efficacy, safety, drug-drug interaction (DDI) potential, and clinical exposure. Early metabolite identification helps researchers understand how a compound is transformed in biological systems and whether metabolites may contribute to pharmacological activity, toxicity, or regulatory concerns.
MetID studies support metabolic soft spot identification, active and reactive metabolite assessment, human metabolite characterization, cross-species metabolism comparisons, metabolites in safety testing (MIST) evaluations, and IND/NDA submissions.
Supporting Drug Development from Discovery Through Clinical Development
- Lead Optimization: Metabolic soft spot identification and metabolite profiling.
- Candidate Selection: Species comparison and reactive metabolite assessment.
- IND-Enabling Development: Human metabolite prediction and MIST readiness.
- Clinical Development: Human MetID support for First-in-Human (FIH), SAD (Single Ascending Dose), and MAD (Multiple Ascending Dose) studies.
- Registration: Metabolite characterization and regulatory support
Comprehensive Metabolite Profiling and Identification Services
WuXi AppTec provides comprehensive MetID services, including preclinical in vitro and in vivo MetID, clinical human MetID (FIH, SAD, and MAD), MIST studies, metabolite biosynthesis, and structural characterization.
Our Capabilities
In Vitro Metabolite Identification
- Metabolic soft spot analysis and identification
- Reactive metabolite trapping (glutathione, cysteine, methoxamine, etc.)
- MetID in liver microsomes, hepatocytes, S9 fractions, plasma, blood, and tissue homogenates
In Vivo Metabolite Identification
- MetID in animal samples (plasma, blood, urine, feces, bile, tissue, etc.)
- MetID in human samples (plasma, urine, feces, etc.)
Metabolites in Safety Testing (MIST)
Regulatory agencies increasingly evaluate whether human metabolites are adequately represented in preclinical toxicology studies. When disproportionate human metabolites are identified, additional characterization or safety assessment may be required.
WuXi AppTec supports MIST evaluations through integrated metabolite profiling, cross-species comparison, metabolite quantification, and structural characterization workflows.
Metabolite Biosynthesis and Structural Characterization
- In vitro biosynthesis and structural characterization of target metabolites
- In vivo biosynthesis and structural characterization of target metabolites
- Advanced LC-HRMS, UV, and NMR-based structural elucidation
Metabolite Identification for Emerging Drug Modalities
WuXi AppTec supports metabolite profiling and characterization for conventional small molecules and emerging modalities, including PROTACs, oligonucleotides, antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs), antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs), peptides, polymers, and radiolabeled compounds.
Why Partner with WuXi AppTec
- Thousands of metabolite identification studies annually
- Discovery-to-clinical development support
- Dedicated metabolite biosynthesis capabilities
- Expertise in conventional and emerging modalities
- Integrated DMPK, bioanalysis, safety assessment, and regulatory support
- Advanced HRMS platforms and structural characterization expertise
- Experienced scientists with extensive metabolism and medicinal chemistry backgrounds
Advanced Instrumentation
State-of-the-art HRMS platforms including Orbitrap Eclipse Tribrid, Orbitrap Excedion Pro, Orbitrap Exploris 480, Q-Exactive HF, Q-Exactive Plus, ZenoTOF 8600, and other advanced mass spectrometry systems support comprehensive metabolite characterization.
