An Overview of Cytotoxicity Assay During Drug Development

Cytotoxicity, as the name suggests, is the toxicity of the cells. When the cells are treated with cytotoxic compounds, it may lead to cell necrosis - leading to loss of membrane integrity, and the result is rapid death caused by cell lysis. These cells can stop growing and dividing, or the cells can activate a genetic program leading to controlled death.

The absorption of harmful chemicals causes cytotoxicity – the chemicals can kill cancer cells but have the potential to destroy the healthy cells also. In drug development, studying cytotoxicity is necessary because cytotoxic drugs are necessary for treating critical diseases. The drugs contain chemicals which are toxic to cells, preventing their replication or growth and are effective to control diseases such as cancer.

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