WEBINAR RECORDING: C. elegans-based NAM for predictive developmental and reproductive toxicity assessment

Webinar RECORDING

Originally aired: 20 May 2026

Presenters:

• Adela Ben-Yakar, CEO, VIVOVERSE
• Sudip Mondal, Director of Science, VIVOVERSE

Moderator: Leah Riter, Senior Fellow, Bayer Crop Science

Description:

The second 2026 AGRO Division Lunch and Learn webinar featured Adela Ben-Yakar and Sudip Mondal from vivoVerse, who discussed their AI-accelerated, microfluidics-based platform for Developmental and Reproductive Toxicity (DART) assessment using C. elegans. As a New Approach Methodology (NAM), the C. elegans model offers a cost-effective, high-throughput alternative to traditional mammalian studies.
Unlike in vitro systems, C. elegans captures essential physiological and reproductive processes. The vivoVerse platform utilizes microfluidic chips to immobilize worms, enabling high-resolution 3D imaging analyzed by AI. The assay distinguishes specific reproductive and developmental toxicity endpoints from general systemic toxicity, showing high sensitivity in comparative studies. The platform demonstrates high repeatability and reproducibility, with performance metrics exceeding standard OECD test guidelines. Preliminary studies comparing C. elegans data with rat toxicity rankings show promising correlation, particularly for pharmaceutical compounds. The team is currently expanding their chemical dataset to further validate the platform’s predictive power across different chemical spaces, including agrochemicals. While vivoVerse is actively engaging with regulatory agencies, their current focus remains on establishing inter-laboratory validation and demonstrating the platform’s utility for early-stage compound prioritization.

Presenter Bios:

• Dr. Adela Ben-Yakar is a Professor at The University of Texas at Austin and CEO of vivoVerse, specializing in ultrafast microscopy, microfluidics, automation, and machine vision. She has pioneered scalable high-content screening platforms and optical tools advancing NAMs for drug discovery and toxicology. At vivoVerse, she co-leads development of automated platforms using C. elegans models for DART, DNT, and systemic toxicity assessment.
• Dr. Sudip Mondal is Co-founder and Director of Science at vivoVerse, where he leads development of C. elegans–based new approach methodologies (NAMs) for chemical safety and efficacy assessment. His work integrates microfluidics and AI-driven imaging for high-content phenotyping, enabling predictive DART and DNT endpoints. Trained in physics and neurobiology, he develops scalable platforms combining C. elegans and organoid models for next-generation toxicology screening platforms.

This webinar series is part of the AGRO Division’s ongoing commitment to providing technical excellence and regulatory insight to the agrochemical community. For past webinar recordings, please visit the Lunch and Learn Webinar Archive.

A special thank you to our tech host, Kyle Sawyer, and our 2026 sponsor, JRF Global.

We hope to see you at our next webinar!