Xenometrix

What Xenometrix does

Xenometrix AG is a Swiss biotechnology company headquartered in Allschwil, Switzerland, founded in 1997 and operating for 28 years as a specialist in genetic toxicology testing. The company develops, produces, and distributes ready-to-use bioassay kits and reagent components for detecting mutagenic, genotoxic, and endocrine-active compounds, alongside offering preclinical contract testing services. Its core product portfolio centers on the Ames Test for bacterial reverse mutation, offered in four formats — MacroAmes1 (traditional Petri dish), MicroAmes6 and MicroAmes24 (miniaturized agar plates), and the Ames MPF family (384-well liquid microplate including Ames MPF 98/100, Ames MPF Penta 2 with five strains, and Ames MPF Aqua for water testing). Complementary products include the in vitro Micronucleus Test (MNvit) with Mode of Action per OECD 487, Chromosomal Aberration Test (OECD 473), UmuC Easy CS (ISO 13829), XenoScreen/XenoScreen XL yeast-based endocrine disruptor assays, ex vivo skin models with Franz diffusion cells for IVPT, and a reagent line spanning S9 subcellular fractions, microsomes, cofactor kits, and individual tester strains.

The company's technology is built on proprietary miniaturized assay formats that reduce test compound consumption by 4x and S9 consumption by 12x compared to traditional methods, with all products validated against OECD, ICH, and ISO regulatory guidelines. The company holds ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485:2016, and ISO 14001 certifications. Xenometrix serves over 300 customers worldwide across pharmaceutical, chemical, agrochemical, cosmetics, environmental, and government regulatory segments, distributing through its own e-commerce platform and a global distributor network. Revenue is generated through one-time kit sales and professional preclinical service analytics under GLP and non-GLP conditions, including the NanoAmes ultra-miniaturized service for ICH M7 genotoxic impurity testing. The company operates as a small, owner-managed team of 1-10 employees with no disclosed external funding, no M&A activity, and no public listing.

Name

Xenometrix

Legal name

Xenometrix AG

Website

https://xenometrix.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Xenometrix AG is a Swiss biotechnology company that develops and sells ready-to-use bioassay kits and contract testing services for mutagenicity, genotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and skin permeation testing, serving over 300 pharmaceutical, chemical, cosmetic, and regulatory customers worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Genetic Toxicology Testing Products

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)

SIC

Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826)

akta.pro primary industry

In Vitro Toxicology (Cell-based/Organ-on-chip) (HLAGAFAJ)

Keywords

• Genetic toxicology testing
• Mutagenicity assay kits
• Endocrine disruptor screening
• In vitro skin permeation
• Preclinical safety testing

Headquarters

HQ city

Allschwil

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Ames Test Kit Sales: Sale of ready-to-use testing kits including Ames MPF, MicroAmes6, MacroAmes1, and related components such as bacterial strains, S9 fractions, media, and positive controls. Kits are sold in various configurations (1-sample, 10-sample) with or without S9 and controls.
2. Preclinical Service Analytics: Contract testing services under GLP and non-GLP conditions for mutagenicity, genotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and in vitro skin permeation (IVPT) testing. Includes NanoAmes service for ultra-miniaturized testing of genotoxic impurities per ICH M7.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Xenometrix AG develops, manufactures, and distributes ready-to-use bioassay kits, bacterial and yeast tester strains, S9 metabolic activation reagents, and ex vivo skin models for the detection of mutagenic, genotoxic, and endocrine-active compounds, as well as for in vitro skin permeation testing. The portfolio covers the full Ames Test workflow in four formats (traditional Petri dish, miniaturized 6- and 24-well agar plates, and 384-well liquid microplate), complemented by Micronucleus, Chromosomal Aberration, UmuC, XenoScreen endocrine disruptor, XTT cell viability, and IVPT dermal absorption kits. The company also provides GLP and non-GLP contract preclinical service analytics including the NanoAmes ultra-miniaturized genotoxic impurity test for ICH M7 compliance.

Product overview

Xenometrix offers a unified portfolio of ready-to-use bioassay kits and reagent components for detecting mutagenic, genotoxic, and endocrine-active compounds. The core Ames Test product line spans four formats: traditional MacroAmes1 (Petri dish agar plates), MicroAmes6 and MicroAmes24 (miniaturized agar plates in 6- and 24-well formats), Ames II (liquid microplate with 2 strains), and the Ames MPF family (Ames MPF 98/100 for 2 strains, Ames MPF Aqua for water samples, and Ames MPF Penta 2 for 5 strains in liquid microplate). Individual Salmonella/E.coli tester strains, S9 subcellular fractions from PB/beta-NF-induced rat and hamster liver, S9 cofactor kits, and positive controls are sold as separate kit components. Complementary assay products include the In vitro Micronucleus Test (MNvit) with Mode of Action for OECD 487, the Chromosomal Aberration Test (OECD 473), UmuC Easy CS for ISO 13829 genotoxicity, XenoScreen and XenoScreen XL for endocrine disruptor screening (EDC) via yeast estrogen/androgen receptor assays, and XTT for cell viability. Skin permeation testing is supported through ex vivo skin explant models (human and porcine), Franz diffusion cells, and associated IVPT service analytics. The company also supplies liver, intestine, and kidney S9 fractions and microsomes from multiple species for ADME/DDI studies. All products are backed by preclinical service analytics under GLP and non-GLP conditions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Ames MPF: Miniaturized liquid microplate format Ames Test kit for mutagenicity testing
• MicroAmes
• MacroAmes
• XenoScreen
• NanoAmes
• UmuC

Products and services

• Ames II Liquid microplate fluctuation format of the Ames bacterial reverse mutation test for mutagenicity screening using two Salmonella strains; designed for laboratory use in genetic toxicology testing.
• Ames MPF 98/100 Miniaturized liquid microplate Ames Test kit covering two Salmonella strains (TA98, TA100) with metabolic activation; automatable, validated per OECD 471 and ICH M7, and designed for mutagenicity screening with reduced compound consumption.
• Ames MPF Penta 2 Miniaturized liquid microplate Ames Test kit with five bacterial strains (TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1537, E.coli WP2 uvrA[pKM101]), ready-to-use reagents, metabolic activation, and validated equivalence to the OECD 471 agar plate method.
• Ames MPF Aqua Liquid microplate Ames Test variant formulated for detecting mutagenic activity in water samples (waste, surface, drinking, or ozonated water), compliant with ISO 11350 and intended for environmental water quality laboratories.
• MicroAmes6 Ready-to-use miniaturized Ames Test kit in 6-well agar plate format with two Salmonella strains (TA98, TA100), requiring 6 mg per test compound per strain and standardized per OECD 471.
• MicroAmes24 Miniaturized 24-well agar plate version of the Ames Test for mutagenicity screening, reducing test compound consumption compared with standard agar plate formats.
• MacroAmes1 Traditional Ames Test kit in Petri dish agar plate format with two Salmonella strains (TA98, TA100) and S9 metabolic activation, compliant with OECD TG471 and ICH S2(R1).
• XenoScreen Yeast-based transcriptional activation screening assay for detecting agonistic and antagonistic activity of endocrine disruptor chemicals at human estrogen and androgen receptors.
• XenoScreen XL YAS Extended yeast estrogen and androgen screen (YAS) assay for agonistic and antagonistic endocrine disruptor activity, with high sensitivity up to 4x10^-12 M (LoD) and TG455 compliance.
• In vitro Micronucleus Test (MNvit) In vitro micronucleus test kit with Mode of Action (3-hour FISH stain) for direct identification of clastogenic or aneugenic compounds per OECD TG487, with high specificity and no false positive results.
• UmuC Easy CS Genotoxicity assay kit based on the UmuC SOS response gene expression system, compliant with ISO 13829 for detecting DNA-damaging substances.
• Chromosomal Aberration Test In vitro chromosomal aberration assay for detecting chromosomal instability and genotoxic potential per OECD TG473.
• S9 Subcellular Fractions PB/beta-Naphthoflavone induced rat and hamster liver S9 subcellular fractions providing phase I and phase II metabolic enzymes for Ames Test, Micronucleus Test, Chromosomal Aberration Test, and ADME studies.
• S9 Cofactor Kit Ready-to-use cofactor kit containing buffer salts, G-6-P, NADP, and booster solution for preparing S9 mix in metabolic activation studies.
• Ames Tester Strains Individual Salmonella typhimurium and E.coli tester strains (TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1537, TA97a, TA102, E.coli WP2 uvrA, E.coli WP2 pKM101, E.coli WP2 uvrA[pKM101]) for bacterial reverse mutation testing per OECD 471 and ICH M7.
• Ex vivo Skin Models for IVPT Ex vivo skin explant models including human dermatomed, human full thickness, porcine dermatomed, porcine full thickness, and porcine buccal mucosa for in vitro skin permeation testing per OECD 428 and MDR 2017/745.
• Franz Diffusion Cells Vertical Franz diffusion cells for in vitro skin permeation testing, used with ex vivo skin models for dermal absorption studies per OECD 428.
• XTT Cell Viability Test XTT-based colorimetric cell viability assay kit for measuring cell proliferation and cytotoxicity in mammalian and bacterial cells, including use alongside Ames Test cytotoxicity assessment.
• Microsomes Liver microsomal fractions from multiple species (rat, hamster, dog, pig, rabbit, monkey, mouse, chicken) for ADME studies, drug-drug interaction testing, and metabolic clearance assessment.
• Preclinical Service Analytics Contract preclinical testing services under GLP and non-GLP conditions covering mutagenicity, genotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and in vitro skin permeation (IVPT) testing, including the NanoAmes ultra-miniaturized genotoxic impurity test per ICH M7.

Quantifiable outcome

• 4x less test compound required compared to agar plate methods
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered minor.

• UniversitiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partnerships for continuous development of new products and maintenance of relationships with industry experts. Universities participate in joint research and development activities for advancing genetic toxicology testing methodologies.
• CustomersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerActive collaboration with customers in developing new products and refining testing methodologies. Customer feedback drives product improvement and new product development.
• METANET AGminorOthersExternal hosting provider for website infrastructure based in Zurich, Switzerland.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Inotiv: US preclinical CRO providing toxicology, genetic toxicology and research models to pharma and chemical clients. Direct comparable in offering GLP Ames, MNvit and chromosomal aberration services to the same regulatory-driven customer base.
• Cyprotex (Evotec): Evotec-owned in vitro ADME and toxicology CRO with genetic toxicology and micronucleus testing capability. Comparable in providing both kits/reagent formats and GLP testing services to pharma customers.
• Gentronix: UK-based specialist genetic toxicology CRO offering GreenScreen, Ames, MNvit and comet assays with GLP services. Closest direct niche competitor to Xenometrix in miniaturized in vitro genotoxicity assays and OECD-aligned services.
• BioReliance (Merck KGaA / Sigma-Aldrich): Specialist biosafety, genetic toxicology and GMP testing services business within Merck's Life Science division. Offers OECD-compliant Ames, MNvit, chromosomal aberration testing under GLP — overlapping directly with Xenometrix's core service analytics portfolio.

Broad incumbents

• Eurofins Scientific: World-leading testing services group with dedicated genetic toxicology and endocrine disruptor testing across pharma, chemical, cosmetic and environmental segments. Overlaps directly with Xenometrix's customer verticals and GLP service analytics offering, though at much larger global scale.
• SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance): Global testing, inspection and certification group with a life sciences division offering genetic toxicology and preclinical safety services. Competes with Xenometrix for chemical, agrochemical and cosmetic safety testing contracts.
• Charles River Laboratories: Global CRO offering end-to-end preclinical safety including genetic toxicology (Ames, MNvit, chromosomal aberration) and GLP services. Comparable as a direct supplier of the same OECD-aligned assays Xenometrix sells, but at vastly greater scale and as part of broader IND-enabling packages.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific (Life Sciences / Patheon): Diversified life sciences tools and services company whose PPD preclinical division offers genetic toxicology testing alongside reagents and instrumentation. Comparable both as a kit/reagent competitor (Gibco, Thermo brand tester strains) and as a GLP service competitor.
• WuXi AppTec: China-headquartered global CRO/CDMO offering preclinical safety including genetic toxicology for pharma clients. Overlaps with Xenometrix's GLP genotoxicity services, though at significantly larger scale and broader geographic reach.
• Labcorp (Covance Drug Development): Major clinical and preclinical CRO offering in vitro genetic toxicology, micronucleus and Ames testing as part of safety assessment packages. Comparable assay catalog and GLP delivery model, competing for the same pharma/chemical customers Xenometrix serves.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/xenometrix
• Facebookfacebook.com/xenometrix
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/xenometrix

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Xenometrix